The 2024 Royals added 30 wins relative to the prior season, going from 56 to 86 and sneaking into the playoffs for the first time since their World Series win in 2015. Now they'll go into the winter as clear contenders for the first time in a while, but still with lots of uncertainty ahead. Guaranteed Contracts Bobby Witt Jr., SS: $279MM through 2034 (Final four years are … [Read more...] about Offseason Outlook: Kansas City Royals
How Cole Ragans Built On His Breakout Season
After losing 106 games in 2023, the Royals responded to the embarrassing result by going on a relative spending spree last winter. Bobby Witt Jr.’s 11-year, $288.78MM extension naturally drew most of the attention, but Kansas City spent $110.5MM on free agent contracts, most notably bringing Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha to bolster the pitching staff. The strategy paid off … [Read more...] about How Cole Ragans Built On His Breakout Season
Eight Players Elect Free Agency
As the offseason nears, a number of players elect minor league free agency each week. These players are separate from six-year MLB free agents, who’ll reach the open market five days after the conclusion of the World Series. Eligible minor leaguers can begin electing free agency as soon as the regular season wraps up. These players were all outrighted off a team’s 40-man roster … [Read more...] about Eight Players Elect Free Agency
Royals Notes: Lineup Needs, Outfield, Wacha, Frazier
Royals brass held their end-of-season press conference today, with general manager J.J. Picollo and manager Matt Quatraro fielding questions from MLB.com’s Anne Rogers (two links) and other reporters about the club’s successful 2024 campaign and some of their plans for the coming offseason. While Picollo described the Royals’ offense as “acceptable” overall, the team is looking … [Read more...] about Royals Notes: Lineup Needs, Outfield, Wacha, Frazier
Poll: Who Will Win The AL Division Series?
Last night, MLBTR readers weighed in on the National League Division Series. With both series knotted up 1-1 at the time, readers heavily favored the Padres to upset the Dodgers while giving a slight edge to the Phillies to take down the Mets. The lower seeds each prevailed at home tonight to put the NL’s top two teams on the brink of elimination. Tuesday was a travel day in … [Read more...] about Poll: Who Will Win The AL Division Series?