Royals secure playoff spot/ Royals comeback from 106 losses/ Royals make playoffs after losing season/ Newslooks/ ATLANTA/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Kansas City Royals clinched an American League wild card spot on Friday, marking an incredible turnaround from last season’s 106 losses. Despite a 3-0 loss to the Atlanta Braves, the Royals secured their first postseason appearance since 2015 thanks to a Minnesota Twins loss. Led by standout performances from Bobby Witt Jr. and others, the Royals made history as the first MLB team to reach the playoffs after losing over 100 games in the previous season.
Royals’ Historic Turnaround: Quick Looks
- Clinching Playoff Berth: The Kansas City Royals secured a wild card spot despite losing 106 games last year.
- Witt’s Leadership: Bobby Witt Jr. has led the team, becoming the first shortstop with multiple 30-homer, 30-steal seasons.
- Overcoming Challenges: Despite late-season struggles, the Royals stayed resilient to reach their first playoffs since 2015.
- Key Contributors: Players like Witt, Salvador Perez, and Seth Lugo powered the team’s turnaround.
- Record-Breaking Season: The Royals are the first team to make the postseason after such a dismal record the prior year.
Kansas City Royals Make Playoffs After Historic Rebound Season
Deep Look:
In a remarkable reversal of fortune, the Kansas City Royals have clinched an American League wild card spot, completing one of the most dramatic turnarounds in Major League Baseball history. The Royals’ 3-0 loss to the Atlanta Braves on Friday night couldn’t dampen their celebration as they secured their first playoff appearance since 2015, when they won the World Series. The playoff berth was confirmed after the Minnesota Twins were eliminated following their 7-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles.
A year ago, the Royals tied a franchise record with 106 losses, leaving fans and analysts doubtful of their future. However, under the leadership of manager Matt Quatraro and key players like Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez, the team shocked the baseball world by turning their fortunes around in just one season.
A Historic Comeback
The Royals’ transformation is one for the history books. They became the first team in MLB history to reach the postseason after losing at least 106 games the previous year. Only two other teams have achieved similar feats— the 2017 Minnesota Twins, who made the playoffs after a 103-loss season, and the 2020 Miami Marlins, who bounced back from a 105-loss campaign during the pandemic-shortened season.
“We’re just so proud of everyone,” said Bobby Witt Jr., the Royals’ star shortstop and the face of the team’s resurgence. “This is just the beginning of something special.”
Witt’s exceptional season has been a key driving force behind the Royals’ success. He became the first shortstop in MLB history to record multiple 30-homer, 30-steal seasons, finishing the regular season with 32 home runs, 109 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases. Witt also led the league with 210 hits and a .332 batting average, solidifying his place as one of the game’s brightest young stars.
Overcoming Adversity
The Royals faced several challenges down the stretch, including two seven-game losing streaks that threatened to derail their playoff push. But the team’s resilience prevailed.
“We had some adversity here the last month of the season,” said general manager J.J. Picollo. “But this is a tough, resilient group, and we got through it. Here we are, celebrating this moment.”
Picollo’s roster management was another crucial factor in Kansas City’s success. The Royals’ small-market status meant that Picollo had to rely on savvy signings and trades rather than big-money deals to bolster the team. Players like Seth Lugo, who signed a modest three-year, $45 million contract, played critical roles in the turnaround. Lugo finished the season with a 16-9 record and a 3.03 ERA, while fellow acquisition Michael Wacha posted a 13-8 record with a 3.35 ERA.
Other key contributors included Cole Ragans, who recorded 223 strikeouts and 11 wins after being acquired from the Texas Rangers, and Michael Lorenzen, who went 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA after joining the team just before the trade deadline. Veteran catcher Salvador Perez also had a strong season, hitting 27 home runs and driving in 104 RBIs.
Celebrating Against the Odds
While Friday’s loss to the Braves delayed the Royals’ celebration, the team erupted with joy once the Twins’ defeat was confirmed. Players and coaches gathered in the visitors’ clubhouse at Truist Park to pop champagne and celebrate their improbable journey to the playoffs.
“This isn’t how we ideally wanted it,” Witt said of clinching despite the loss. “But we’re here. We did it. We’re so proud of each other.”
Owner John Sherman expressed his excitement for the fans of Kansas City, who have endured years of rebuilding and disappointing seasons since the team’s 2015 World Series championship. “All we wanted to do was play meaningful baseball in August and September and have a chance to play in October,” Sherman said. “Here we are.”
Looking Ahead to the Playoffs
As the Royals prepare for the postseason, they have reason to be optimistic. Witt is in the midst of a historic season, and the team’s pitching staff has been reliable despite facing injuries. While first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, who drove in 97 RBIs before suffering a thumb injury, is out, there is hope that he may return if the Royals advance deep into the playoffs.
Quatraro and his staff are now focused on readying the team for their upcoming wild card series. The Royals’ resilience, combined with breakout seasons from several players, has them primed to make noise in October.
Bobby Witt Jr., who signed an 11-year, $288.7 million contract to become the franchise cornerstone, is ready for the challenge. After dazzling fans with his performance in the Home Run Derby this summer, where he reached the finals, Witt is now set to showcase his talents on the biggest stage of all: the postseason.
“We’re not done yet,” Witt said. “This is just the start.”
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