The Royals outperformed their expected record by 6 games on the way to the World Series, despite a losing record in extra-inning games. With the exception of a challenging 13-10 July, every full month had a winning record exceed .625 while the RH heavy line up was brutal on LHP with a .722 record.
The batting line up was a consensus top two group with the damage done in slugging and stealing (1st in slugging percentage, extra base hits, home runs, and stolen bases). The pitching was a consensus top three group, ranking 1st in walks and strikeouts, while improving from 10th to 4th in HRs allowed.
The defense was good, not great, ranking 6th and 4th for efficiency and ZR respectively.
Catcher
Both Zach Herr and Mike Woods offered above average bats for the Royals with Herr adding 20 HRs to a 4.5 FRM rate that saw him add 2.9 WAR, a top 5 level of production among Catchers. Woods (112 wRC+) slugged over .500 but struck out in almost 40% of his at bats as a fairly pure power bat. Both right handers, the Royals could look for a lefty or switch hitting back up if there was trade interest in Woods.
Infield
Gilberto Matos missed time only appearing in 110 games but hit .273/.370/.488 with a 131 wRC+ when he was fit, adding 19 HRs. Next year will be a big one for Matos to stay fit and produce at his 2042 levels rather than his 2041 or 2043 levels to justify his salary. Luis Aceves disappointed with a 66 wRC+ in almost 200 PAs but his potential plus plus power to go with plus plus gap power (and plus speed) and an above average seems like it should have value, especially with some potential in his contact. Andres Raygoza with his plus plus contact is someone the Royals want to succeed but after two seasons has a 70 wRC+ from 350+ PAs and so is definitely at risk this off season.
Edgar Mir had another stellar year, 130 wRC+ plus to go with 15.0 ZR for a 6.9 WAR (good for a top ten season for the Royals of which he has three, including the best). He also moved into the top three in all-time WAR for the Royals, 17.7 behind George Brett. He earned more than 100 walks for the second season, moving up to 3rd on that all-time list as well.
Estanislau Covete bounced back after a tough sophomore season, 5.1 WAR based on 36 HRs (8th Royals single season record), and 100 RBIs, and a 155 wRC+. His defense remains below average which has been the factor that has prevented the Royals from signing him to a long term contract. Chris Ambrose (67 wRC+) has the glove but his bat failed to put any pressure on Covete. Scouts believe he still has growth and is certainly a more than competent utility infielder.
Jadon Tezeno made his debut, signed a long-term contract, had a 108 wRC+ and earned over 3 WAR while winning a World Series. It was a very good year for the 25-year old and he still has growth according to Royals scouts.
Outfield
An oft injured outfield saw six players play regular season games with one more forced into post season plate appearances. The majority performed at a good, not elite level, with Chris Kern (121 wRC+), Chris Albright (114 wRC+), and Bobby Nickelberry (124 wRC+) all having strong seasons. Natalino Villa, when fit, was the best of the outfield with a 133 wRC+ and a 4.8 WAR despite missing almost a third of the season with his elite defense. Jamie Edwards (91 wRC+) dropped in his batting output but covered for Villa in CF and did a strong defensive job and offers a switch hitting option. Chase Standberry no longer offers anything with the bat but is a great defensive option in CF while Chris Morrow made his debut in the postseason and offers another left handed bat. Edwards and Standberry are both in arbitration and it may be the end of the road for both of them, with Edwards likelier to return than Standberry.
Offseason / Early 2043 Overview
C Zach Herr
1B Gilberto Matos
2B Edgar Mir
3B Estanislau Covete
SS Jadon Tezeno
LF Chris Albright
CF Natalino Villa
RF Bobby Nickelberry
DH Chris Kern
C Mike Woods
IF Luis Aceves
IF Chris Ambrose
OF Chris Morrow
Starters
Nine players from the final roster started games for the Royals in 2043 with injuries threatening to derail the season. Curt Bogans had a 2.80 ERA with a 77 FIP- although only managed 100 IP in 20 games. That was enough to earn 2.7 WAR and take him to the top of the Royals all-time list, replacing Kevin Appier in 100 IP fewer. He is also within 30 Ks of Mason Barnett but is a free agent. The Royals will at worst offer him a QO, but would like to resign him for the right place and duration.
Dan Carrig had a strange season with a 3.49 ERA, 200 IP, and 218 K ‘only’ providing 2.3 WAR. His K rate was a top ten Royals season but his 39 HRs allowed led the American League and was the most given up by a Royal in a season. That HR rate may cause the Royals to look at the market to see what teams might offer for the long term contract, despite his durable status.
Joe Davis and Ben Lane both had a strong, injury interrupted seasons with about 5.5 WAR between them in 38 GS so showing what they can each do in a full season.
Midseason acquisitions Greg Moehring and Mike Herzner both contributed to the Royals success and will be back, with Herzner the more likely for offers to be listened to.
Ethan Chafin lost his place in the starting rotation and struggled in the bullpen. He is very injury prone and has a TO for $16m for the 2044 season, which will see the Royals with a difficult decision to make.
Bullpen
In the bullpen, Eddie Baquerizo had a reasonable adaptation to the bullpen, adding over 2 WAR with a 71 FIP-. He is a Free Agent and, like Bogans, the Royals will offer him a QO but unlike Bogans are less likely to try to agree any other deal before then.
Tsuguo Abe’s time in Kansas City is likely over after a tough season while the Royals are unlikely to offer midseason reunion Dan Nichols another contract if he won’t budge from a $15m+ starting position.
Art Putney and Darryel Sabatino both had a 4.80 FIP, although Putney’s was in a much bigger sample. As an arbitration candidate, Putney may be squeezed out while Sabatino is unlikely to be offered a renewal of his contract. Bernalldino Caneas also struggled in limited work and although he has one option year left, will definitely be shopped by the Royals before any decision on his arbitration.
Several other pitchers – Im, Manley, Pesina, and Avis – are all in arbitration years and will receive offers to return to the bullpen in 2044.
Offseason / Early 2043 Overview
SP Greg Moehring
SP Joe Davis
SP Ben Lane
SP Dan Carrig
SP Curt Bogans
RP Nate Avis
RP Joe Manley
RP Moon-soo Im
RP Juan Anaya
RP Eddie Baquerizo
RP Ethan Chafin
RP Julio Pesina
RP TBC
RP TBC