Can the Royals be competitive in 2024?

While the spotlight has been on high-profile teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees this offseason, a surprising contender has quietly emerged as one of the most active players in the free-agent and trade markets.

Despite a challenging previous season where they lost 106 games and secured the second-worst record in Major League Baseball, trailing only the Oakland A's, the Kansas City Royals were not initially viewed with much optimism for the offseason. However, under the leadership of general manager J.J. Picollo, the Royals have made significant investments in their team, successfully acquiring notable talent.

The Royals kicked off the offseason by making strategic trades, bringing in starter Kyle Wright and reliever Nick Anderson from the Braves. Subsequently, they bolstered their roster by signing relievers Will Smith and Chris Stratton, along with starters Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha, and outfielder Hunter Renfroe.

While these moves might not immediately stand out as game-changers for the Royals, they carry substantial upside. In 2022, Kyle Wright led the Majors with 21 wins, and Michael Wacha has consistently performed as an underrated pitcher, boasting a 3.32 ERA in 2022 with the Boston Red Sox and a 3.22 ERA in the previous season with the San Diego Padres. Additionally, Hunter Renfroe has consistently delivered 20-plus home runs each year since 2017, showcasing his prowess in right field.

Beyond these acquisitions, the Royals boast one of the most promising young cores in baseball. Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., a standout at just 23 years old, made history in his second big league season by becoming the first Royal to join the 30-30 club, hitting 30 home runs and stealing 49 bases.

Starter Cole Ragans, acquired in a trade with the Texas Rangers for Aroldis Chapman last June, emerged as one of the league's top pitchers in Kansas City. Over 12 starts, he achieved an impressive 5-2 record and a 2.64 ERA.

Other young talents, including third baseman Maikel Garcia, outfielder MJ Melendez, and second baseman Michael Massey, are poised for significant development and progression.

Recent developments have positioned the Royals as unexpected contenders for a postseason spot. The AL Central appears wide open, with both the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Guardians anticipated to face challenges due to financial constraints.

The Royals' starting rotation, featuring Ragans, Wacha, Wright, and Lugo, looks formidable. Bobby Witt Jr. stands out as a dark-horse MVP candidate, while All-Star catcher Salvador Perez continues to be a stalwart presence behind the plate.

With the front office's aggressive approach and the potential of their young core, the Royals stand as strong contenders to win the AL Central and secure their first postseason berth since 2015.