‘Going to be a fight:’ What opposing teams are saying about Royals as AL contenders
.jpg "Kansas City Royals designated hitter Vinnie Pasquantino (9), shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) and broadcaster Joel Goldberg are doused by captain Salvador Perez (13) and left fielder MJ Melendez (1) after defeating the Boston Red Sox at Kauffman Stadium on Aug. 7, 2024.")
Word has spread about the Kansas City Royals.
Last season, they were a surprise team in the American League. They finished 86-76 and made an improbable postseason run. They defeated the Baltimore Orioles in the AL Wild Card Round and fell short against the New York Yankees in the ALDS.
Against that backdrop, the Royals have made clear their intentions: They want to return to the playoffs and, if all goes well, finish the postseason on top.
“Win everything,” Royals captain and longtime veteran Salvador Perez said of the club’s focus.
The Royals had a different mentality throughout spring training in Arizona. Players talked about taking care of unfinished business, and their drive was apparent in how they interacted and played.
The Royals hope to showcase their growth and maturity this season. They took their lumps last postseason but also gained valuable experience.
They’re no longer viewed as an emerging team. Fellow AL clubs consider the Royals a dangerous contender now.
“I think they understood the work that it took,” Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington said. “They are not going to let up on that side, with the work ethic and the commitment that it takes, because that’s how they made the playoffs.
“They had to be committed. The camaraderie that went with all of that work, commitment and effort, they’ve got that now. So each and every one of those guys is not going to let the other down, and that’s how you keep it standing.”
The Royals sought to improve their roster this offseason. New infielder Jonathan India has looked good in the leadoff spot ahead of superstar Bobby Witt Jr. In fact, in short order India has earned the respect of his teammates.
KC also added closer Carlos Estévez in free agency. He has received save opportunities already this season, with young reliever Lucas Erceg operating in a fireman’s role.
The Royals have also counted on veterans Cavan Biggio and Mark Canha to fill in at first base as Vinnie Pasquantino nurses a right-hamstring strain.
Having veterans in the clubhouse helped fuel the Royals’ playoff run last season. And now, with a few new faces in the mix, they’re looking to win the competitive AL Central.
They will contend with the Cleveland Guardians, Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins. Three of the division’s four teams made the playoffs last season.
“We played each other tough every time out,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said of the Royals. “It just makes me excited because the AL Central is in such a good space. And to see the growth that the Royals had last year, it’s going to continue to be a battle every single night. …
“I really like watching that team play and it’s going to be a fight.”
The Royals played the Guardians in a three-game series at Kauffman Stadium to open the season. KC had its chances on opening day but lost. The Royals evened the series Saturday before falling 6-2 Sunday.
After winning one of three games during a short road trip to Milwaukee, the Royals return to Kauffman Stadium for a series against the Baltimore Orioles that begins Friday night.
The Royals, who have a scheduled off-day Thursday, have also drawn praise from National League teams. That includes their manager.
“I love him,” Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said of Royals counterpart Matt Quatraro. “He’s smart, respects the game and is a great guy. Unless we play them, I am pulling for him.”
Quatraro worked alongside Francona earlier in his career. He learned a lot from him, including how to stay cool under pressure. The Royals feed off Quatraro’s calm demeanor.
Since his hire in Kansas City, Quatraro has preached a “Today” mentality. He wants his players to focus on things they can control in each game. The slogan has become embedded in the Royals’ ethos (and has even made its way onto T-shirts).
Quatraro’s mantra might come in handy this week. The Royals are off to a 2-4 start, still hunting rhythm at the plate and consistency on the mound.
Not that anyone in the clubhouse is worried.
“We’ve got 150-something more of these (games),” second baseman Michael Massey said. “So yeah, we lost before and we won before. We will be back at it tomorrow.”
The Royals are clear-eyed about what’s ahead — and what’s at stake — as they push toward a repeat appearance in the postseason.
“Being a big-league team, you want to win a World Series championship,” Perez said. “I think that is the goal and I think each team should think that way.”
