The season is over, because the Royals fell in 4 video games to the Yankees within the ALDS. The Royals had an unimaginable bounceback season after shedding 106 video games, but additionally face a variety of questions as we start the low season. Only a few fast ideas.
- The Royals did have a tremendous season that they need to be happy with, and nobody anticipated them to get this far. Nevertheless, it was nonetheless a missed alternative to fall within the ALDS. There aren’t any ensures Bobby Witt Jr. ever has a season like this once more, or that Seth Lugo performs like a Cy Younger contender, or that Cole Ragans stays wholesome, or that Salvy continues to stave off Father Time. The one different crew to make the playoffs after shedding 100+ video games was the 2017 Twins. The subsequent yr they fell again to 78-84, however then gained 101 video games the yr after that. So it’s a very good factor the Royals made the playoffs this yr, however there is no such thing as a assure of success subsequent yr. You may’t depend on beating the White Sox 12 of 13 instances once more.
- The playoffs are a lot enjoyable, even whenever you lose.
- Regardless of holes within the lineup, this offense managed to complete within the prime half in runs scored – they usually have been prime ten a lot of the yr till their September swoon. The offense went chilly within the post-season as most lineups do – you’re going through elite pitchers on a regular basis. Every recreation on this collection was determined by two or fewer runs.
- It is simpler to say in hindsight, however others have been saying this on the time – Freddy Fermin ought to have gotten a begin within the ALDS with Salvy at first to exchange Yuli Gurriel. Fermin looks as if the type of man that rises to the event. Would it not have made a distinction? Nicely like I mentioned, each recreation was shut!
- Ship a search celebration for Hunter Renfroe and Paul DeJong! I do know each slumped in September, however everybody slumped in September. The Royals had a ton of hassle stringing collectively a collection of hits, so why not give your self a shot at a run with one swing of the bat? If Renfroe was too harm to contribute, he shouldn’t have been on the roster.
- Alex Duvall of Royals Farm Report made this level on his private social media account and I agree – Yuli Gurriel crammed in admirably at age 40, however it’s unhappy that Nick Pratto didn’t reside as much as his potential right here and change into that man that would fill in. I believe he’s on the best way out.
- The highest precedence this low season must be getting somebody that may get on base and hit on the prime of the lineup. Discovering that’s tough, and will require being artistic or making a commerce that “hurts”, however it’s paramount to discover a man that Bobby, Vinnie, and Salvy can drive in. I’d be asking about Lamonte Wade of the Giants, Lars Nootbaar of the Cardinals, Mike Tauchman of the Cubs, and Rob Refsnyder of the Pink Sox.
- I like Maikel Garcia and he has some spitfire and pace and a few skill to attract a stroll. However generally the hassle and focus doesn’t appear to be there. I don’t suppose he must be handed a beginning job subsequent yr. They need to usher in a veteran (higher than Adam Frazier) to compete with him and push him to be higher. It additionally is sensible to herald depth contemplating Michael Massey’s persistent again points.
- The Royals are caught with Hunter Renfroe and a few followers could not need to hear this, however they’re most likely bringing MJ Melendez again too. However they have to be a platoon, neither one is sweet sufficient to be a starter at this level. Even then, you’re most likely a .220/.290/.430 hitter with shaky protection. Kyle Isbel is in for his glove, that means the opposite nook outfield place actually has to hit.
- I’m most likely studying an excessive amount of into this, however the reality Brady Singer confronted only one hitter in all the playoffs could say one thing about his future. I’m not essentially saying he’s getting traded, however I don’t suppose he’s getting a long-term deal right here. The crew has talked about being transactional, and buying and selling a man two years earlier than he hits free company for prospects to maintain this factor sustainable can be what groups just like the Rays and Brewers would do.
- The bullpen returning for subsequent yr appears….fairly good? Royals relievers had a 2.77 ERA in September, then a 2.16 ERA in 25 innings within the playoffs. Lucas Erceg, Sam Lengthy, and Angel Zerpa is a stable base and Hunter Harvey must be in that blend subsequent spring. Daniel Lynch IV and Carlos Hernández may be fascinating, though I don’t know that the Royals ought to depend on them but. It is going to be fascinating to see whether or not they attempt Kris Bubic as a starter once more, however I believe they like what he brings out of the pen. I’d most likely nonetheless add an arm, use John Schreiber in decrease leverage innings, and reduce ties with Chris Stratton regardless of his $4.5M participant choice that he can be owed subsequent yr.
- Looming over the low season is the uncertainty with the TV take care of the likelihood that Bally Sports Kansas City may not broadcast games subsequent yr which implies they gained’t pay the Royals. And looming over that’s the crew’s persevering with effort to construct a downtown stadium. The Royals have nearly $60 million in contract obligations subsequent yr if Michael Wacha declines his $16 million participant choice, plus about $25 million in arbitration salaries. Will John Sherman proceed to take a position on this payroll?
What are your preliminary ideas as we start the low season?
