The Kansas City Royals are at a crossroads for the team. With the potential of relocation on the horizon due to issues with the new stadium proposal, to the on-field product not being enough, fans have a reason to be upset. Yes, last season was unacceptable but I feel the 2024 season could be the light at the end of the tunnel. But it could also just be another forgettable failure to put in the history books.
Offseason Acquisitions:
Fans have called on the Royals front office to do more in the offseason in terms of acquisitions to secure the team. And that they did, in a very uncharacteristic turn of events the Royals spent over $100 million in just free agency. Here is an analysis of the bigger names they brought.
Adam Frazier:
Frazier is a quality infielder who has a quality glove and a solid bat. The last few years have been down but maybe with Quatraro’s staff, he could have a revival. Not a true power hitter but can keep a good average and makes quality contact. Even if it doesn’t work out, it is only a one-year deal.
Hunter Renfroe:
Hunter Renfroe had an interesting year last season, he is kind of the opposite of Andrew Benintendi. Decent fielder and is a superb power hitter, even though he’s not the best fielder he should help out their outfield situation and be consistent. Again if it doesn’t work, it’s only a one-year deal.
Michael Wacha:
Starting pitching last year was below par and injured last season, a seasoned pitcher like Wacha should help. Very consistent and with this pitching staff he could reach the upper echelon potentially. He is up there in age but he has a two-year contract so it’s not horrible if he’s not as advertised. This was my second favorite move by the team, which says a lot.
Seth Lugo:
The final big acquisition in free agency was Seth Lugo. A quality reliever/potentially starting pitcher. I think he’ll be an opener on this team, but I have no idea. Lugo is another quality, seasoned pitcher on this team and that’s just what they need.
Bobby Witt Jr:
Royals fans were wondering what Bobby Witt Jr. would do. Would he resign to a big deal and stay with his first team, or predictably sign with a big market team that could afford him? We can all breathe a sigh of relief, as Witt continues to get hits for the blue and white. This is very exciting but also a bit risky for the Royals. He signed an eleven-year contract, with seven years guaranteed. With a good amount of player options, where he could opt out and negotiate or leave. I wouldn’t think he’d leave but it’s not out of the question. If he plays well and the team is good, then he’ll stay and the Royals would be a World Series contender for a while. Any other scenario would lead to an opt-out. Although there’s that bit of pessimism, Royals fans should be excited that he will hopefully be a Royals legend for life.
Season Prediction:
Kansas City should be very excited about their upcoming season, they have a good amount of talent they just need to assemble it. As long as everyone is relatively off the injury list this season, it should be a year to remember for this team. As for my prediction on the season, I believe that the Royals will finish 88-74, win the division, and make the postseason for the first time since 2015 as a three-seed. We can only hope.
