Royals’ last playoff clinch came in Atlanta; chase resumes at Braves. Symmetry?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Royals clinched 2024 postseason spot after Twins loss, first since 2015.
- Additions Collins, Thomas, Marte and new relievers boost expectations.
- Team leans on pitching, defense and a veteran mindset entering 2026 opener.
Kansas City Royals players gathered in the visiting clubhouse at Truist Park.
Their game was over. Now they were playing a waiting game.
It was 2024 and the Royals were looking to clinch a postseason spot. They entered their final three-game series of the regular season against the Atlanta Braves in striking distance of a playoff berth.
The game plan was simple: Win and get in. But they lost 3-0 that day. The alternative option required a bit of help from the Minnesota Twins — their American League Central rivals.
“It was a strange night because we had to wait for some results and we were inside,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro recalled. “And do we stay? You know, there was a rain delay in one of the other games.”
The Royals were able to clinch a postseason berth later that night when the Twins lost to the Baltimore Orioles, giving Kansas City an AL wild-card spot.
It was the club’s first postseason experience since 2015.
“It was all worth it at the end of that night to be able to celebrate,” Quatraro said.
The Royals partied in the visiting clubhouse at Atlanta. Champagne bottles were popped and celebratory victory cigars handed out. Players welcomed their families into the revelry as a team photo followed later on the field.
The moment was special. A club that had lost 106 games the previous year completed a miraculous turnaround.
The Royals could dream again.
“You know, any time you’re popping bottles, it’s always fun,” Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha said. “It’s important to remember those feelings, because that’s what we’re striving to do here. That’s to get back to popping bottles and getting a ring on our finger.”
Indeed, the Royals want to experience that celebratory feeling again. On Friday they opened the 2026 season against the Braves — first road opener of Quatraro’s tenure.
And arguably the most important.
“Just to be back in this clubhouse and be reminded of those memories, it’s a full-circle moment ...” Royals reliever Lucas Erceg said before Friday night’s game. “I think it kind of sets the tone for the year and what our mindset is in this clubhouse. I think everyone is kind of on the same page, in that sense.”
The Royals revamped their roster this offseason. New acquisitions Isaac Collins, Lane Thomas, Starling Marte should bolster the outfield. That trio was in the starting lineup against tough Atlanta lefty Chris Sale.
The Royals also added relief pitchers Matt Strahm, Alex Lange and Nick Mears to their bullpen mix. Strahm is expected to handle high-leverage situations in the late innings of games.
The Royals believer their new additions raise the overall floor of their roster. A veteran mentality accompanies their arrival. The expectation is to win and achieve goals like the team did in 2024.
“We have new guys and I think we have a better team than last year,” third baseman Maikel Garcia said. We’re just trying to, you know, be better than last year. Just score more runs and help the pitchers.”
The Royals will get an accurate depiction of their current makeup this weekend. The Braves have a high-powered offense and can score runs in bunches. The Royals pride themselves on pitching and defense, and those will be tested.
“Going into this year, I think we’ve got a lot of guys in here that have a chip on their shoulder and are ready to get this season going,” KC reliever John Schreiber said.
It all starts with this opening series on the road against the Braves.
“You don’t take this for granted,” Quatraro said. “I mean, how many times do you get to come out and experience something like this? You don’t know how many (opening days) you are going to have, so you don’t take it for granted.”
This story was originally published March 27, 2026 at 7:00 PM.
