The Kansas City Royals: Rebuilding Kings

Alex McNinch

October 3rd, 2024

What once was a mainstay in the MLB Postseason from the late 1970's through the 80's, the Kansas City Royals lead by the likes of George Brett and Brett Saberhagen, had a brand of baseball that attracted fans towards their franchise. After a 27 year drought of not making the playoffs (2nd longest in MLB history), the Royals returned to the postseason, falling just short of their goal of a World Series losing to the Giants in 7 games. The same pesky and gritty group regathered and loaded up for a 2015 postseason run, that lead them to winning the World Series for the first time since 1985.

But once the core of Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Lorenzo Cain, and Salvador Perez reached their goal, the group split up, which left Kansas City without their stronghold following their World Series run. For the next 8 years, this team would finish at either a .500 winning percentage or below, which left fans confused on how they fell so far, so quickly.

Insert the 2019 MLB Amateur Draft... an event that would change the course of Royals history, forever.

Receiving the 2nd pick in the draft, the organization selected Bobby Witt Jr, one of the most talented high school prospects we have ever seen. A five-tool player, who was a can't miss prospect, with even a scout comparing him to Alex Rodriguez. It was clear that night, the goal was to fast-track him to the big leagues, and build around him as fast as possible.

But on that night, Witt Jr wasn't the only guy they selected that would be a part of this current postseason run. Jumping right back in during the second-round, selecting Alec Marsh, who posted a 4.53 ERA in 129 IP with an above league walk rate in his outings. Michael Massey was one of the two, big-time college bats they got in that draft as well, who plays a steady second base in the 82nd percentile OAA (outs above average). But the big steal came in the 11th round where the Royals drafted Vinnie Pasquantino, who had a breakout year hitting .286, drove in 97 runs, and was in the 98th percentile in whiff rate and strikeout percentage (which means he didn't swing and miss much at all). 

Of course, every rebuild starts by building through the draft, but after Bobby Witt Jr broke onto the scene as a 22 year old rookie, the Royals quickly learned they needed to surround this kid with talent. Which leads to why the Kansas City Royals have found out the right way to build around a superstar prospect, and have a quick turnaround, to extend the timeline of future success for this organization.

In the offseason leading up to the 2024 MLB Season, the Royals were oddly active in the free agent market for high-end pitching, coming off a 56-106, last place season. Royals GM, J.J. Picollo, discussed his offseason outlook stating, " We’ve got to get depth with our pitching,” Picollo said. “One of our goals is to get starting pitching. And then we’ve got to remake our bullpen."

It kickstarted with Sam Long, a left-handed reliever, now on his third team in 4 seasons, posted a 3.16 ERA out of the bullpen and two scoreless appearances in the Wild Card games versus the Orioles. 

Will Smith, who if you aren't familiar with the crazy stat regarding Smith, buckle up. The team who has had Will Smith on their roster has made and won the World Series the past 4 seasons. He hasn't pitched since August 25th due to injury, and has struggled mightily this year, but that stat alone could be a fate signing in itself. 

Michael Wacha, a guy who once was a mainstay in the Cardinals rotation, has now been on his fifth team in 5 years, and posted a 3.35 ERA starting 29 games for the Royals this year and is consistently good at limited hard contact for this above-average Royals defense.

Most importantly, they signed Seth Lugo, who at the time had offers from bigger markets and contending teams, but chose to go to Kansas City instead. A guy who bet on himself as a starter entering free agency two years ago, has now paid off by posting a 3.00 ERA, 181 strikeouts (career high), and started 33 games for the ball club, the most in the American League with his first ever All-Star appearance.

Alongside this, they made trades for guys who made the postseason roster with the likes of John Schreiber, Lucas Erceg, and Paul DeJong -- as well as picking up Tommy Pham and Yuli Guriel off of waivers. Even dating back to last season trading for future front-line starter in Cole Ragans for a rental Aroldis Chapman was a unique and beneficial deal for both sides.

But through every young player, there is a veteran who makes an impact on the locker room and keeps the team afloat. That guy is Salvador Perez, the only remaining piece from the 2015 World Series roster. With rumors of him being traded for multiple seasons in a row, Perez remained in Kansas City, and has been a vocal leader in this process for the Royals. 

Whether it is hyping up Bobby Witt Jr, or even engraining confidence in a young pitcher in a big spot. Manager, Matt Quatraro spoke about Perez as a leader after Game 1 against Baltimore to the Kansas City Star: "He understands his role on this team as a leader. He doesn't just go out there to go out there. He goes out there when he has something to say and understands he can make a difference," spoke Quatraro.

Most rebuilds involve the acquisition of young talent, which then is followed up with a blockbuster deal to push a team over the edge. For the Royals, the proof is in the pudding, and it's the greatest scoop you will ever taste. Because through draft success, a young superstar, and veteran voices, the Royals have a date with the "Evil Empire" in the New York Yankees for the ALDS, and have now cemented themselves as a threat in the American League for years to come.