Owner Goals
With the end of a season comes a new set of owner goals and 2030 was no exception.
Sherman expects the Royals to reach the playoffs again in 2031 while this is the year he is expecting both an MVP acquisition and an improved fan interest.
Improved international finds and reaching the World Series remain as future goals, in 2032 and 2035 respectively, while there is a new addition of extending Mason Barnett. As identified in the player review, it is unlikely this extension fits with Stewart’s plans.
Finances
Following a trip to the AL Championship, and season revenue of $230m, Stewart had expected a 2031 budget north of the $206m predicted at the end of the 2029 season. Instead, owner Sherman announced a $30m slash to that projection, and a total budget of $176m against forecasted revenue of $220m and an opening balance of $16m. This decrease was focussed squarely on payroll, with a budget of $100m for players.
Taking into account the wish to re-up Scouting and Development budgets, to $15m and $36m respectively, this will leave little money available for Free Agency.
Some research into the finances show a 19% increase in total attendance over Stewart’s tenure, with the Royals drawing in the 10th most fans in the league and the 13th highest gate revenue. On top of that, season ticket sales have increased by 45% to over 13k.
Having kept ticket prices steady since the increase ahead of the 2027 season, Stewart’s research shows a Royals ticket to be the 4th cheapest in the league. Confident that the on-field product provides value for money, ticket prices will increase to $36 (+7.5%) for the 2031 season. This will still be the 7th cheapest ticket in the league.
Personnel
After 4 years, a 333-195 record, and finally securing a Championship after consecutive losses in the Final, A+ Manager
Gary Koenig retired. He was awarded A+ Manager of the Year. His replacement was recruited externally as Johnny Isom was not interested in the role.
Rookie Ball Pitching Coach James Birmingham departed after one year. A late offseason appointment, he was always a stop gap for a more appropriate coach this off season.
Minor Leagues
Awards
Dan Jones AA Manager of the Year
Gary Koenig A+ Manager of the Year
Johnny Isom A Manager of the Year
Peter O'Brien DSL Manager of the Year
Eric Lauer AAA Outstanding Pitcher Award
Peter Solomon AA Outstanding Pitcher Award
Jorge Lucino 2027 17th Round Outstanding Pitcher Award
Notable Retirements
Only three non-Minor League Free Agent signings retired at the end of the season:
Outfielder
Cannon Goldin, the Royals 2028 12th Round pick, never got out of Rookie Ball.
Pitcher
Brandon Neely, acquired in a 2026 Trade with the Yankees, reached AAA.
Pitcher
Ben Kudrna, Royals 2021 2nd Round pick, reached AAA. His highlight year was 2027, when he earned an All-Star appearance and was named Outstanding Pitcher at High-A.
KC Top 500 Prospects Performance
It was another strong year on the Royals farm, with players moving up and several players making their big-league debut.
On the batting side, in addition to
Jimmy Goodman graduating to MLB,
Jeremy Rogerson is set to follow him next year, with
Dave Holcombe hoping to do the same and
Tim Storer opening in AAA but ready for any opportunity to come his way.
Further down the leagues,
Billy Mumaugh continues his assault on baseball,
Danny Petty just needs to stay healthy, and a raft of HS draft picks graduated from Rookie Ball and will look to work their way through the system in the next 2-3 years.
Cade Townsend led the success stories on the pitching side with
Marcos Paz hoping to follow him next year.
J.J. Paniagua is moving steadily through the minors, while it was satisfying to see
Mike Hoffer and
Josh Olaniyan graduate rookie ball and they will hope to continue their ascent next year. Olaniyan is on track after being named Carolina (A) League Pitcher of the Month in August.
Besides Petty’s injury, the only real disappointing season came from
Alex Duke, the 2029 2nd round pick really struggling in Rookie Ball this season.