Can the Royals Make a Resurgence in 2024?
Since winning the 2015 World Series, the Kansas City Royals and their fans have been suffering, missing the playoffs season after season. Kansas City went 56-106 during the 2023 season, their worst record since 2005 when they put up the same record. During this past offseason, the Royals have made various moves in hopes of competing in 2024. Let’s take a closer look at some of the Royals' signings and see if they have what it takes to resurge back to the top of the AL Central division.
On December 15th, the Kansas City Royals signed Hunter Renfroe to a one-year five-and-a-half million-dollar deal, with a seven-and-a-half million-dollar player option in 2025. Renfroe played with both the Los Angeles Angels and the Cincinnati Reds in 2023. In 140 games and 498 at-bats, Hunter collected 116 hits, 20 home runs, and 60 RBIs, with a batting average of .233. A day before, the Royals signed right-handed pitcher Seth Lugo to a three-year 45 million dollar offer. Lugo made 26 starts with the San Diego Padres last season posting an 8-7 record with a 3.57 ERA through 146 innings pitched. Seth also had 140 strikeouts in 2023. On the 11th, they signed left-handed pitcher Will Smith to a one-year deal. Smith spent his 2023 campaign with the championship Texas Rangers, and in 60 appearances he put up a 2-7 record through 47 innings pitched. Will had a 4.40 ERA and 55 strikeouts.
While these three guys aren’t superstars, they still have enough validation to impact the team positively in 2024. The AL Central division has been weak for quite some time, 2024 may be the opportunity for the Royals to resurge. Kansas City needs a big season after several years of disappointment. They still need a star to bring a huge crowd in every night on a daily basis, but that shouldn’t stop this team from competing in a weak division and making the most of their opportunities. Do the Kansas City Royals have a realistic shot at making the postseason in 2024?
