It is a beautiful sight with the Royals claiming the World Series in Colin Stewart’s 17th year in charge of the organisation. To do so against their recent nemesis makes the victory all the better for the Royals as they become the 14th team to win the World Series since 2024, almost half of MLB. The Dodger and the Padres have three each, with Orioles and the Mets taking two each to complete the multi-World Series list.
There are only nine teams that are yet to make an appearance in the World Series since 2023: the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, and the Washington Nationals. The Rays and the Mariners are the only two MLB teams without a World Series with the Mariners never raising a league pennant.
Every single franchise has won at least one division, which of course also means that every team has had at least one playoff appearance. Colin Stewart’s 16th Playoff appearance ties the record with the great Bobby Cox, who also only had one WS to show for those appearances. Stewart also moves above Cox in wins above 500, as the most successful manager. His chase now is for two things – rings and total wins (both of which he has a long way to go).
Kansas City Postseason Stats
With the exception of C Zach Herr and 1B Gilberto Matos the Royals batting line up was as strong in the post season as in the regular season with Bobby Nickelberry coming back from the IR at the exactly right moment to supercharge the World Series with a 178 wRC+.
The starting pitchers produced in the postseason, with Ben Lane matching Bobby Nickelberry in coming back from injury with a strong performance while Joe Davis adding 1.0 WAR in postseason play in five games of work and a 3.43 ERA, with a 1.00 WHIP.
The bullpen was a mixed bag with Julio Pesina and Art Putney struggling, while Juan Anaya excelled, giving up 5 H across 13.0 IP, as did Ben Manley, giving up 3 H in 6.0 IP.
Owner Goal Review
Team Record:
Well done on bringing a World Series title to Kansas City. Keep them coming and the fans may erect a statue of you in front of Kauffman Stadium!
Acquire a player:
Well, you have figured out a great way to disappoint your boss and the owner of a popular baseball team. I wish you really would have worked harder when I asked you to bring in a Hometown player.
Improve your team record:
There's room for improvement in extra-inning games.
Long Term:
I gave you 4 years to bring a trophy to the city when I set out my vision years ago. And I certainly can't complain now. Well done!
Minor Leagues
Postseason
Omaha Storm Chasers [AAA] won the Championship.
Northwest Arkansas Naturals [AA] won the Championship.
Quad Cities River Bandits [A+] missed the playoffs by 18 games.
Columbia Fireflies [A] won the Championship.
Kansas City (ACL) Royals [R] won the Championship.
Kansas City (DSL) Royals Stewart [R] missed the playoffs by 5 games.
Kansas City (DSL) Royals Glass [R] lost in the 1st Round of the Playoffs.