Emmanuel Clase aimed to win the Cy Young award as a reliever, a feat not achieved in the American League for nearly three decades. Ultimately, he finished third in the voting, with Detroit Tigers starter Tarik Skubal taking the award unanimously.

Despite the disappointment, Clase's performance this season was remarkable, solidifying his status as one of the top closers in the league.

The Kansas City Royals faced elimination from the playoffs after a defeat by the New York Yankees in the ALDS, ending their season. With the focus now on the offseason, the Royals are looking to enhance their roster for 2025.

After investing in pitching last year, the Royals are now considering upgrades for their offense, particularly at third base. Ryan McMahon of the Colorado Rockies has emerged as a potential trade target, known for his power and defensive skills.

The 2024 fantasy baseball season has concluded after 187 days, showcasing emerging stars and veteran performances. Awards are handed out to players who surprised or disappointed fantasy managers, highlighting key performances and metrics.

Brent Rooker of the Oakland Athletics and Seth Lugo of the Kansas City Royals excelled as late-round picks. Conversely, Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves and Bobby Miller of the Los Angeles Dodgers fell short of expectations.

Other notable mentions include Josh Naylor of the Cleveland Guardians and Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox, who had strong starts but faced challenges later in the season. The awards also recognize standout prospects like Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians, as well as the impressive Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who claimed the Fantasy Baseball MVP title.

The Kansas City Royals faced elimination from the postseason after a 3-1 defeat to the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the ALDS. Despite a solid 2024 season, finishing with an 86-76 record and securing the second Wild Card spot, the Royals are now looking ahead.

Michael Wacha, who started Game 4, is expected to opt out of his contract, potentially opening the door for the Royals to pursue Shane Bieber. The former AL Cy Young Award winner is recovering from Tommy John surgery and could be a cost-effective option for Kansas City.

If the Royals acquire Bieber, along with Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo, they could become strong contenders for the World Series in 2025, while also aiming to outpace the Guardians in the AL Central.

The Kansas City Royals turned around a dismal 106-loss season to finish 86-76 in 2023, showcasing a remarkable improvement and securing a playoff berth. Owner John Sherman emphasized the need for change, leading to significant investments in free agents and roster adjustments.

In contrast, the Colorado Rockies continue to struggle, despite having a higher payroll and fan attendance. General manager Bill Schmidt expresses optimism about the team's young talent, but questions remain about their ability to compete effectively in the future.