The Kansas City Royals surprised the baseball world in 2024, posting an 86-76 record and making their first playoff appearance in nine years. Following a dismal 106-loss season the year before, their resurgence was one of the MLB’s best stories. Now, as the 2025 season approaches, the question is: Can they sustain that success?
While the Royals boast considerable talent at the top of their roster, including superstar shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and a pair of top-five Cy Young Award finishers in Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans, a Royals insider suggests the team’s fate may hinge on the performance of less-heralded players. Can the bottom of the batting order provide the necessary support for the stars to shine? This article will explore the potential X-factor that could determine whether the Royals continue their upward trajectory or fall back into mediocrity. We’ll examine the key players, the challenges they face, and what needs to happen for Kansas City to achieve sustained success.
The Royals’ X-Factor: Bottom of the Order Production
According to Anne Rogers of MLB.com, the performance of the bottom half of the Royals’ batting order represents a significant unknown heading into the 2025 season. In her season preview, Rogers highlighted the need for improvement from players like MJ Melendez and Hunter Renfroe, who are expected to provide a power threat in the fifth and sixth spots in the lineup. The Royals’ inability to acquire a middle-of-the-order bat this offseason puts even more pressure on these players to elevate their game.
Rogers also questioned whether Maikel Garcia can take the next step in his career or if he will be relegated to a utility role. Additionally, the health and consistency of Michael Massey will be crucial to deepening the lineup. As Rogers notes, even the stars struggle from time to time, so the Royals need players who can step up when it matters most.
“The Royals weren’t able to bring in the middle-of-the-order bat they wanted this offseason, so the pressure is on for MJ Melendez and Hunter Renfroe to improve from a year ago and provide a power threat in the fifth and sixth spots,” Rogers wrote.
In 2024, Melendez, Renfroe, and Garcia were major disappointments, contributing to the Royals’ subpar .309 on-base percentage. Massey showed promise but was limited to 100 games due to lower-back issues. If the Royals want to contend in 2025, these players must perform at a higher level.
MJ Melendez: Time to Deliver on Potential
MJ Melendez entered the league with significant hype, but his performance has been inconsistent. In 2024, he failed to live up to expectations, leaving many to wonder if he can become the power threat the Royals need in the middle of their lineup. For the Royals to reach their full potential in 2025, Melendez needs to find consistency at the plate and drive in runs.
Melendez has shown flashes of brilliance, but he needs to reduce his strikeout rate and improve his on-base percentage. If he can make these adjustments, he has the potential to be a key contributor to the Royals’ offense. The team is counting on him to step up and provide the power they lacked last season.
Improving his plate discipline will be crucial for Melendez. By working deeper counts and making better decisions at the plate, he can increase his chances of getting on base and driving in runs. The Royals’ coaching staff will likely focus on these areas during spring training to help Melendez unlock his full potential.
Hunter Renfroe: Adding Power to the Lineup
Hunter Renfroe was brought in to add power to the Royals’ lineup, but his performance in 2024 was underwhelming. While he has a track record of hitting home runs, he needs to be more consistent and drive in runs to justify his place in the batting order. The Royals need Renfroe to be a reliable source of power in the middle of their lineup.
Renfroe’s success will depend on his ability to adjust to the American League pitching and make better contact. He has the raw power to hit the ball out of the park, but he needs to improve his pitch selection and reduce his strikeout rate. If he can make these adjustments, he has the potential to be a valuable asset for the Royals.
The Royals’ coaching staff will likely work with Renfroe on his approach at the plate, focusing on his pitch recognition and contact skills. With the right adjustments, Renfroe can become the power threat the Royals need to complement their other offensive weapons.
Maikel Garcia: More Than Just a Utility Player?
Maikel Garcia’s role in 2025 is uncertain. While he has shown flashes of potential, he needs to prove that he can be more than just a utility player. The Royals need Garcia to step up and become a consistent contributor on both sides of the ball. His development will be crucial to the team’s overall success.
Garcia’s versatility is valuable, but he needs to improve his offensive production to earn a regular spot in the lineup. He has the speed and athleticism to be a disruptive force on the bases, but he needs to refine his approach at the plate. If he can make these improvements, he has the potential to be a key contributor to the Royals’ offense.
The Royals’ coaching staff will likely focus on Garcia’s offensive development during spring training, working on his pitch selection and contact skills. With the right adjustments, Garcia can become a valuable asset for the Royals, providing depth and versatility to their lineup.
Michael Massey: Staying Healthy and Deepening the Lineup
Michael Massey showed promise in 2024, but his season was limited to 100 games due to lower-back issues. The Royals need Massey to stay healthy and provide depth to their lineup. When healthy, he has shown the ability to hit for average and provide some power. His presence in the lineup makes the Royals a more dangerous team.
Massey’s health will be a key factor in his success. If he can stay on the field, he has the potential to be a valuable contributor to the Royals’ offense. He needs to focus on his conditioning and injury prevention to ensure that he can stay healthy for the entire season.
The Royals’ training staff will likely work closely with Massey to manage his workload and prevent further injuries. With the right approach, Massey can stay healthy and provide the Royals with a valuable offensive weapon.
Jonathan India: A Boost to the Royals’ Lineup
The arrival of Jonathan India in the leadoff spot should undoubtedly help boost the Royals’ lineup as a whole. His ability to get on base and his aggressive baserunning should create more opportunities for the rest of the lineup. India’s presence at the top of the order will be a welcome addition to the Royals’ offense.
India’s approach at the plate will be crucial to his success in the leadoff spot. He needs to focus on getting on base and setting the table for the rest of the lineup. If he can do that, he has the potential to be a game-changer for the Royals.
The Royals’ coaching staff will likely work with India on his approach at the plate, focusing on his on-base percentage and baserunning skills. With the right adjustments, India can become a valuable asset for the Royals, providing a spark at the top of their lineup.
Conclusion: Will the Royals’ X-Factor Deliver?
The Kansas City Royals’ success in 2025 may hinge on the performance of the bottom half of their batting order. Players like MJ Melendez, Hunter Renfroe, Maikel Garcia, and Michael Massey need to step up and provide consistent contributions on both sides of the ball. The arrival of Jonathan India in the leadoff spot should help boost the lineup as a whole, but ultimately, the Royals will need their underperforming players to elevate their game.
While the Royals have talent at the top of their roster, baseball is a team sport, and success requires contributions from everyone. If the Royals can get consistent production from the bottom half of their lineup, they have the potential to be a dangerous team in 2025. However, if these players continue to struggle, the Royals may find it difficult to replicate their success from a season ago.
Ultimately, the fate of the Kansas City Royals in 2025 may rest on the shoulders of these players. Can they rise to the occasion and deliver when it matters most? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the Royals’ success will depend on their ability to get contributions from every player on their roster.
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