Last season, the KC Royals suffered 106 losses. The only thing separating the 2023 squad from becoming the worst in franchise history was a victory over the Yankees in the final game of the year, which Zack Greinke helped seal.
However, that close call didn’t lessen the humiliation of such a terrible season or ease the feelings of supporters who had grown weary of the awful baseball the Royals had been playing for so long. Baseball’s winter came, and the KC game took on a new meaning: improvement.
Thankfully, general manager J.J. Picollo saw how serious things were and moved the team into an unusually busy summer without hesitation. Hunter Renfroe, an outfielder, and Garrett Hampson, a seasoned utility player, have recently joined the team. Veteran catcher Sandy León was acquired by Picollo as backup behind the plate.
However, pitching has been Picollo’s main focus, and for good reason—the Royals wouldn’t have lost 106 games, had the second-worst ERA in the American League, blown over half of their save opportunities, or been forced to use Jordan Lyles all the time—who lost more games than any other major leaguer last season and had the highest ERA in the major leagues.
If nothing else, Picollo’s diligent winter effort has paid off handsomely. Established major league pitchers Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, Will Smith, and Chris Stratton are joining the Royals for the 2024 campaign; this group should be a good fit for returning pitchers Brady Singer and Cole Ragans, among others.
And supporters of the Royals won’t have to wait long to see Picollo’s newest members up close.
As they get ready to report to spring training, pitchers and catchers
