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How did the Royals go from 56 wins to a playoff run in just one season? Dive in

Wichita Eagle
·3 min read

The Kansas City Royals have engineered a remarkable turnaround in 2024, transforming from a 56-win team to reach this year’s ALDS.

Dig into the changes the team made, how a strong April and May put them on the path to a postseason berth and how Bobby Witt Jr.’s long-term commitment highlighted an important offseason.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez (13) celebrates with teammate MJ Melendez (1) after hitting a two-run home run in the eight inning during game one of a double header against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on Apr 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez (13) celebrates with teammate MJ Melendez (1) after hitting a two-run home run in the eight inning during game one of a double header against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on Apr 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

No. 1: What fueled the Kansas City Royals early-season turnaround?

The Kansas City Royals scored 92 runs through their first 19 games. What was behind the impressive start? | Published April 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jaylon Thompson

Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez answers questions about working with new pitchers, being a captain and his health heading into the next season at Royals Rally on Feb. 3, 2024.
Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez answers questions about working with new pitchers, being a captain and his health heading into the next season at Royals Rally on Feb. 3, 2024.

No. 2: Royals captain Salvador Perez set goal for 2024 season: ‘Make it to the playoffs’

The Kansas City Royals overhauled their roster with multiple free-agent acquisitions this offseason. | Published February 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jaylon Thompson

The Kansas City Royals have returned to the Major League Baseball postseason for the first time since they won the 2015 World Series.
The Kansas City Royals have returned to the Major League Baseball postseason for the first time since they won the 2015 World Series.

No. 3: Anatomy of a revival: How the KC Royals went from 56 wins to MLB postseason berth

When Royals reliever Will Smith asked “why not us?” in spring training, it seemed far-fetched. Not anymore. | Published September 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

The Kansas City Royals have returned to the Major League Baseball postseason for the first time since they won the 2015 World Series.
The Kansas City Royals have returned to the Major League Baseball postseason for the first time since they won the 2015 World Series.

No. 4: Kansas City Royals clinch MLB playoff berth for first time since 2015 World Series

The Royals didn’t prevail at Atlanta Friday, but they won big-time later in the evening when the O’s beat the Twins to send KC, at long last, back to the playoffs. | Published September 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jaylon Thompson

Kansas City Royals first baseman Salvador Perez (13), left fielder MJ Melendez (1), shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) and second baseman Michael Massey (19) celebrate a win over the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on April 30, 2024.
Kansas City Royals first baseman Salvador Perez (13), left fielder MJ Melendez (1), shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) and second baseman Michael Massey (19) celebrate a win over the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on April 30, 2024.

No. 5: How impressive were Kansas City Royals in April? The numbers just might surprise you

The Kansas City Royals set a franchise record for most wins prior to May this season. | Published May 1, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jaylon Thompson

Kansas City Royals left fielder Nelson Velázquez (17), center fielder Kyle Isbel (28) and outfielder Dairon Blanco (44) celebrate after the win over the Houston Astros at Kauffman Stadium on April 11, 2024.
Kansas City Royals left fielder Nelson Velázquez (17), center fielder Kyle Isbel (28) and outfielder Dairon Blanco (44) celebrate after the win over the Houston Astros at Kauffman Stadium on April 11, 2024.

No. 6: Amid 7-game winning streak, Kansas City Royals’ revival feels real and boundless

When the Royals’ Will Smith said, “Why not us?” in spring training, it was easy to question. But his words resonate now. | Published April 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia (11) celebrates after clinching a wild card playoff birth after a game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park.
Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia (11) celebrates after clinching a wild card playoff birth after a game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park.

No. 7: KC Royals’ 2024 roster was built for postseason pursuits. Here’s how they did it

The Royals’ long-awaited return to the MLB playoff is propelled by strong pitching and stingy defense. | Published September 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jaylon Thompson

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., left, smiles as he answers questions while the team’s owner, John Sherman, applauds during a press conference Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., left, smiles as he answers questions while the team’s owner, John Sherman, applauds during a press conference Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.

No. 8: Why Bobby Witt Jr. committed to the Royals long term: ‘Now is the perfect time’

The Kansas City Royals topped a busy offseason by signing Bobby Witt Jr. to a new 14-year contract extension. | Published February 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jaylon Thompson

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., left, celebrates his opening-inning home run with third baseman Maikel Garcia during Thursday’s game against the Houston Astros at Kauffman Stadium.
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., left, celebrates his opening-inning home run with third baseman Maikel Garcia during Thursday’s game against the Houston Astros at Kauffman Stadium.

No. 9: Ex-MLB general manager breaks down why Royals’ early success is sustainable

A former Major League Baseball general manager listed a number of reasons why the Royals could be in the playoff hunt all season. | Published April 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Pete Grathoff

Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro, left, congratulates shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. for scoring during a game against the Yankees at Kauffman Stadium.
Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro, left, congratulates shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. for scoring during a game against the Yankees at Kauffman Stadium.

No. 10: At last, KC Royals are in MLB playoffs again. Here’s why they can do damage there

The Royals have completed one of the best turnarounds in MLB history. But it doesn’t have to be just a regular-season story. | Published September 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sam McDowell

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.