Four Kansas City Royals selected for 2024 MLB All-Star Game. Here’s the KC lineup

The 2024 MLB All-Star rosters are set.

On Sunday, four Kansas City Royals were selected to the American League roster ahead of the 94th Midsummer Classic in Arlington, Texas.

The Royals’ quartet Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans will represent the organization as AL reserves in the All-Star Game.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro relayed the news to them prior to Sunday’s finale against the Colorado Rockies.

“Truthfully, I get pretty emotional doing that,” Quatraro said. “It’s something they are not taking for granted. And I also don’t take that opportunity — to stand in front of that team and be able to present that — for granted. I mean, it’s really special.”

Perez is set to make his ninth All-Star appearance — his third in the last four seasons — at Globe Life Field. He has the second most All-Star selections in club history behind Hall of Famer George Brett (13).

Last season, Perez was the Royals’ lone All-Star representative. The last time the Royals had multiple All-Stars was during the 2021 campaign.

“I thank God for everything and keeping me healthy, too,” Perez said. “It’s really exciting. I think I told you guys, I’ll trade everything to make it to the playoffs again. So, that’s the main goal and we will see.”

Witt, Lugo and Ragans are headed to their first All-Star Game. It will be a special moment for each player.

Witt is a Texas native and grew up just outside of the Dallas Metroplex. He attended Colleyville Heritage High School and was the Royals’ first-round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft.

This offseason, Witt signed a massive 14-year contract extension (11 years guaranteed) worth $288.7 million.

“I was going home no matter what, but this makes it even more special,” Witt said. “It was unbelievable to see the other guys being announced and everything. … It’s really special to have my first one with those guys.”

Meanwhile, Lugo makes his first All-Star team in his ninth season. He spent the majority of his career as a reliever with the New York Mets. He became a full-time starter with the San Diego Padres last season before arriving in Kansas City.

This season, Lugo has flourished in a top role. He leads the majors with 11 wins, a 2.21 ERA and 122.0 innings pitched. He has piled up 15 quality starts, including a three-run effort against the Colorado Rockies on Saturday night.

There is a chance Lugo could be rewarded further for his hot start. He is a candidate to be named the AL starter in the All-Star Game.

“I’m conscious of it and sure wanted it,” Lugo said of his All-Star selection. “So, you know, a little satisfaction with putting in the hard work and doing my job. It’s pretty cool.”

Ragans will return to Globe Life Field after beginning his career in the Rangers organization. The Royals acquired Ragans last season in exchange for former All-Star reliever Aroldis Chapman.

The trade worked out well for KC. Ragans emerged as the Royals’ ace and started on opening day against the Minnesota Twins. He owns a 3.03 ERA and 223 strikeouts in 31 games since joining the Royals.

“I have a lot of memories in that park,” he said. “My first opening day, my first big-league start and my first big-league win.

“You know, it’s pretty cool (to have the All-Star Game there), of all places. My first one just happens to be where the first time I stepped on a big-league mound. It’s full circle, I guess, and pretty crazy.”

Each of the four Royals selected to this year’s All-Star Game has produced highlight moments this season. Some examples:

Salvador Perez

Perez continues to produce at age 34. He reached 250 career home runs in April and picked up his 1,500th career hit on Sunday. Perez missed becoming an All-Star starter after finishing second in the fan vote to Baltimore Orioles star Adley Rutschman.

Perez’s case to start the All-Star Game was compelling. He is batting .276 with 14 home runs, 55 RBIs and a .797 OPS (on-base plus slugging) in 88 games. Perez also has 18 go-ahead RBIs, which are tied for fifth-most in the majors.

“I’m super excited to go with those guys for the first time,” Perez said.

Bobby Witt Jr.

Witt is putting together another career season of his own.

He followed up a sensational 2023 campaign — 30 home runs and 49 stolen bases — with increased production across the board.

He’s among the American League leaders in multiple categories this year. He leads the AL with 119 hits and ranks second with a .324 batting average. He also has 61 RBIs, which ranks fifth in the league.

Defensively, Witt has produced some terrific highlights. He made an over-the-shoulder catch against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also has shown elite arm strength in throwing out runners from deep in his territory at short.

In the All-Star fan voting, Witt finished second behind Orioles star Gunnar Henderson. Now, he will have a chance to perform in his hometown with his family and friends in attendance.

“I think it’s just to enjoy every moment because you never know,” Witt said. “Just gotta take it all in.”

Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans

The Royals’ starting rotation is much improved this season. A lot of credit for that goes to general manager J.J. Picollo. He acquired both Lugo and Ragans.

The two have operated as a stellar 1-2 punch for the Royals. Now they’re the first pair of Royals starting pitchers to make the All-Star Game in the same season.

Lugo has shared his wealth of knowledge with other members of the KC pitching rotation. That’s helped Ragans, alongside teammates Brady Singer and Alec Marsh, develop and refine their pitching arsenals.

“You see the season those three guys have been having,” Ragans said. “Lugo has been the best pitcher in baseball. Bob is just a special player, and Sal, I think this is number nine.

“It’s cool that three of us have never been and one of us is going for the ninth. It’s exciting to be able to share this moment with those three guys.”

Each player is ready to take in the All-Star festivities. The week includes the 2024 MLB Draft (Sunday-Tuesday, July 14-16), Home Run Derby (Monday, July 15) and All-Star Game (Tuesday, July 16).

FOX will carry the July 16 All-Star Game telecast at 7 p.m. Central Time. ESPN will broadcast the Home Run Derby at 7 p.m. on July 15.