OSA predicts the Royals to get back to a winning record in 2029, with an 84-78 record and +44 run deferential. This is predicted to be good enough for a 2nd place finish in the division and to be in the middle of the battle for the Wildcard spots.
Hunter Owen’s elevation to the Major Leagues could bring fireworks as he is predicted to hit 47 HRs, which is right in the range of the KC single-season record (48, Perez, Soler).
The only strategic change for the 2029 season is a more personalised approach to the bases – with a fast, competent group of hitters, there is a feeling amongst coaches that the club can be a bit more aggressive with steals and base running. Expect the team-lead to be a lot higher than
Bobby Witt Jr.’s 15 in 2028.
Hitters
Catcher
Lomavita keeps his place to start the season behind
Ivan Herrera although there are a pair of former 1st round Giants waiting in Omaha, with
Patrick Bailey (two time Gold Glove winner) and
Joey Bart both keen to get back to the big leagues. Pressure is on Lomavita to prove his bat can hold up.
Starter
Ivan Herrera
Back up
Caleb Lomavita
Infield
Perez’s departure over the winter leaves
Hunter Owen as the de facto DH, although he will play some 1B at times and is more viable there than Perez proved.
Everyday 1B wil be manned by
Luke Adams, who gets his shot at making an impression in the Big Leagues after an AAA season where he batted 1.091.
Nick Loftin is back at 2B and the Royals will hope for a healthy season of 3 WAR security at 2B.
2028 FA signing
Luis Garcia will shift over to 3B as the Royals give up on
Maikel Garcia as an everyday starter. After offering him out over the winter, the Royals have accepted that he will fit in as a back-up infielder for this season. Trade acquisition
Jake Gelof was the man to miss out, his options meaning he will try to round out his potential at AAA.
Bobby Witt Jr., fresh off a great strength & conditioning programme over the winter will try to stay healthy and get back to his 5+ WAR performance level.
The final infield spot will be taken by
Gregory Barrios again; his offseason programme to improve contact was successful and he will be given the chance to prove that across the infield.
1B
Luke Adams
2B
Nick Loftin
3B
Luis Garcia
SS
Bobby Witt Jr.
INF
Maikel Garcia
INF
Gregory Barrios
DH
Hunter Owen
Outfield
It was a very settled outfield for the spring, with all four of last year’s preferred outfielders suiting up again for 2029. The Royals will hope that
Ruiz can stay fit in 2029 after his struggles in 2028; an unsuccessful winter programme does not fill the club with hope. There are a number of options at the AAA level;
Braylin Tavera will hope he can prove his value once back from his Spring ball injury while 9-year MLB veteran
Trent Grisham was signed as a MiL FA in case.
LF
Wyatt Langford
CF
Jorge Ruiz
RF
Jacob Jenkins-Cowart
OF
Matthew Etzel
Arms
FA signings in the rotation, and a bun fight in the bullpen were the tales of the offseason for the pitching department.
FA
JT Brubaker will come straight into the rotation, alongside trade acquisition
Aiden May to complement returning
Mason Barnett,
Drew Beam, and
Chase Burns. All three had strong seasons and the Royals hope the two new additions can improve an already solid group.
In the pen, FA acquisitions
Jose Quijada and
Yusuke Matsumura make a good group immediately stronger.
DJ Herz and
John McMillon return as the stoppers while
Raimon Gomez and stalwart
Julian Aguiar also return. However, Gomez had a tough spring and the two-time All Star is under pressure to return to his rookie season level of performance.
Josiah Gray is given another chance to start the season in the bullpen after a strong spring and 2028 AAA season while
Nick Margevicius’ strong end to 2029 was in the minds of coaches to give him another look.
SP
Mason Barnett
SP
Drew Beam
SP
JT Brubaker
SP
Chase Burns
SP
Aiden May
RP
DJ Herz
RP
John McMillon
RP
Jose Quijada
RP
Yusuke Matsumura
RP
Raimon Gomez
RP
Josiah Gray
RP
Nick Margevicius
RP
Julian Aguiar
