The Kansas City Royals made a remarkable turnaround in 2024, winning 30 more games than the previous season, achieving one of the largest year-over-year win increases in MLB history. This success stemmed from a combination of strategic free agency signings, particularly the addition of starting pitchers Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha, who helped significantly improve the team’s pitching staff. Their presence allowed the Royals to cut their collective ERA from 5.17 to 3.76, highlighting a strategic shift in managing pitching workloads and prioritizing quality starts over sheer velocity.

With a rotation that consistently logged innings, the Royals’ five core starters—Lugo, Wacha, Cole Ragans, Brady Singer, and Alec Marsh—faced a high number of batters per outing, reinforcing the old-school approach to pitching. Unlike many teams focusing on maximizing strikeouts, the Royals emphasized efficient pitching to induce weak contact, which proved effective throughout the season. As they prepare for the 2025 season, the Royals aim to repeat this success while integrating new talent into their strategy.