The 2024 Kansas City Royals surprised the baseball world by making the playoffs as a Wildcard team. The team that got used to being in the basement of the American League Central division finally went upstairs and enjoyed the sun. With an improvement of 30 wins from the previous season, the Royals were the most improved team from 2023 to 2024. How much success will the team have in 2025? Which side of the fence should bettors be on this upcoming season? Can Kansas City repeat what they did last year and become a threat in the American League?
Royals Win Total OVER 82.5 (-115)
Outlook Based Off Last Season
The Kansas City Royals started the 2024 season hot with a 35-24 record going into the month of June. A team that only had 56 wins the year prior had the Major League Baseball world buzzing. The team ended the season in the top-10 in not only Batting Average but ERA as well. A formula for success was proof in the pudding resulting in their first playoff birth since they won the World Series back in 2015. The AL Central was surprisingly one of the most competitive divisions in baseball. I know, I know the White Sox were in the division but the rest of the flock of teams were all above .500.
Bobby Witt Jr. may have officially entered his prime and has undoubtedly put himself on the map. Witt had MVP type numbers hitting for .332 with 32 Home Runs and 109 Runs Batted In. Salvador Perez did “Salvador Perez” things hitting 27 Home Runs with 104 Runs Batted In. The veteran Catcher/Designated Hitter is proving age is just a number by continuing to produce late in his career.
Offseason Moves
The Kansas City Royals lost what seems like many players to free agency, but in reality, they didn’t lose much. Most of the players they let walk were add-ons who weren’t with the team for all 162 games last season. Robbie Grossman, Paul DeJong, Garret Hampson, Will Smith, and Tommy Pham all found new homes in the offseason. Again, most of these players weren’t around long enough for a cup of coffee playing less than 50 games with the team.
The biggest move in the offseason for the Royals was the trade of Starting Pitcher Brady Singer. Singer was sent to the Cincinnati Reds for Second Baseman Jonathon India. India should provide KC with a great middle infield duo with Witt. India should give the team another solid bat in the lineup with a career Average of .253 and the capability to hit 15 to 20 Home Runs each season.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe the Kansas City Royals will be within the top 2 teams in the AL Central with a legit shot at winning it. This is coming from a Detroit Tigers fan, which kills me to say, I think the Tigs will take a step back. Chicago will be back in the basement and the Twins, hopefully, have life jackets from last year’s tank. The division could be decided between them and the Guardians. Witt could be a dark horse for MVP. The combination of average, power, and speed has the youngster geared up for another huge season.
The Pick Is In: KC Royals OVER 82.5 Wins (-115)
KC Wins AL Central (+300)
If you are feeling froggy, take a leap onto MVP Betting.
Bobby Witt Jr. MVP (+325)
