The Kansas City Royals achieved an amazing turnaround on Friday night, securing an American League wild card spot even after losing 3-0 to the Atlanta Braves.
Just a year ago, the Royals had a franchise record of 106 losses. Now, they are headed to the playoffs for the first time since winning the World Series in 2015.
“We’re just so proud of everyone,” said shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who represents the rejuvenated team. “This is just the beginning of something special.”
The celebration was put on hold due to an excellent game from Atlanta pitcher Max Fried. However, the Royals finally celebrated in the visitors’ clubhouse at Truist Park when the Minnesota Twins lost 7-2 to the Baltimore Orioles, eliminating them from playoff contention.
“This isn’t how we ideally wanted it,” Witt said. “But we’re here. We did it. We’re so proud of each other. We can’t let one game control our season.”
Managed by Matt Quatraro in his second year, Kansas City is the first team in baseball history to make the playoffs after having such a tough season before.
Since the expansion era began in 1961, the Royals are only the third team to reach the postseason after losing at least 100 games the previous year.
The Twins made the playoffs in 2017 after going 59-103 the year before, and the 2020 Florida Marlins qualified for a wild card during the shortened season following a 57-105 record.
The Royals faced tough times after winning back-to-back AL pennants in 2014 and 2015 and their first World Series title in 30 years. They hadn’t had a winning season since their championship run, losing over 100 games in three of the past six seasons, and were considered a joke just a year ago.
This year, the team turned it around, led by Witt, who made history as the first shortstop with multiple seasons of at least 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases.
“You can’t help but be proud,” said general manager J.J. Picollo. “It was a battle all year long. We overcame a lot of odds.”
The Royals faced difficulties at the end of the season, going through two separate seven-game losing streaks.
However, that didn’t stop them from achieving their goal.
“We had some adversity here the last month of the season,” said general manager J.J. Picollo. “But this is a tough, resilient group and we got through and here we are celebrating this moment.”
Bobby Witt Jr. leads the majors with 210 hits and has a .332 batting average, along with 32 home runs, 109 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases.
Veteran catcher Salvador Perez is also having a great season, hitting 27 home runs and driving in 104 RBIs. The Royals made the playoffs even after losing first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, who had 97 RBIs before breaking his right thumb and needing surgery.
There is a possibility that Pasquantino could return if the Royals continue to advance in the playoffs.
Remarkably, Picollo didn’t have to spend a lot of money to create a successful team in a small market.
The players who have helped Kansas City achieve success were either already on the team last year and just needed more time to improve, or were signed as free agents or acquired through trades, showing Picollo’s baseball knowledge.
Take a look at the pitching rotation.
Seth Lugo, who has a record of 16-9 and a 3.03 ERA, signed a reasonable three-year, $45 million free-agent deal. Michael Wacha signed a similar two-year, $32 million contract and has a 13-8 record with a 3.35 ERA.
Cole Ragans has added 11 wins and 223 strikeouts after being traded from the Texas Rangers last season. Brady Singer bounced back from a tough 2023 season, and Michael Lorenzen is 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA in six starts since joining the team just before the trade deadline.
The bullpen has been completely restructured, with Lucas Erceg getting 11 saves since the Royals traded for him from Milwaukee.
Owner John Sherman expressed his excitement that Kansas City fans have a winning team to support again.
“I remember we talked about this a lot, maybe in spring training, that all we want to do is play meaningful baseball in August and September and have a chance to play in October,” Sherman said. “Here we are.”
Bobby Witt Jr. seems to be enjoying himself the most, having an incredible season after signing an 11-year contract worth $288.7 million to be the franchise’s key player.
The son of former major league pitcher Bobby Witt, he is the first player in baseball history to have multiple 30-30 seasons in his first three years in the majors. Advanced stats show he is not only one of the best defenders but also one of the fastest players in the game.
“He’s the best player in baseball,” said Cole Ragans recently. “A special talent, a special human being.”
While Kansas City fans have watched Witt’s rise for several seasons, his breakout moment might have been this summer during the Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field in Arlington, close to his hometown of Colleyville, Texas.
Witt made it to the finals but lost 14-13 to Teoscar Hernández of the Dodgers in a thrilling contest that came down to the last swings.
Now, Witt can look forward to an even bigger opportunity.
