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After 74 wins in 2021 and looking ready to take a small step in leading the youth movement in 2022, the Kansas City Royals struggled all season, finishing with almost 100 losses . A step back from the previous year, Kansas City finished last in the American League Central Division with his 65–97 record. Under new leadership in the front office and dugout, the club’s hopes are for better days next season.

The “worst to first” phenomenon in professional sports gives many teams hope during the offseason. That said, it takes a combination of a stellar free-agent move, considerable internal development, and a great deal of luck for something like that to happen. MLB Writer Will Leach recently ranked the 2022 bottom finishers likely to rise to the top in 2023, giving the Royals first place. Here’s some of what he had to say:

Here is a reason for hope. Neither the pitching nor the lineup is particularly overwhelming, but there is still talent, especially in that lineup, with many teams happy to add up-and-comers MJ Melendez, Vinnie Pascantino and Bobby Witt Jr. every day. is. The most exciting is its surname, Wit. A talent like him has the potential to explode into superstardom at any moment. The Royals will likely be in contention for the division title in a few years, but given the absence of a juggernaut at AL Central, they are still a club to watch in 2023.

The trio of Melendez, Pasquantino and Witt are considered to be productive this season, with Kansas City having a successful month in the season (June 15-July 15). 16-13 records). slump. The Royals also signed Ryan Yarbrough and Jordan Lyles to bolster their pitching staff, and Aroldis Chapman could be an X-Factor if he can bring back some of his old form. The team isn’t expected to dominate the league either, so Reach’s point about AL Central not including the “Juggernaut” is fair too.

However, the probability of going from the worst to the first is extremely low, and most predictions are in agreement.in Kansas City Vegas Insider The total over/under win for 2023 is 66.5, ESPNThe predicted win and playoff odds check in at 67.8 and 2% respectively. fan graphZiPS’ projected standings from November put the team at 74-88 in 2023, and while the aforementioned free-agent signing might be worth a few wins if things go well, it’s the number one in the division. We are still very far from the top.