What has to go right for the Royals to win it all in 2025 – Royals Review

The Kansas City Royals experienced a remarkable breakout year last season, exceeding expectations and securing a playoff berth for the first time since their 2015 World Series victory. Bobby Witt Jr. emerged as a true star, delivering MVP-caliber performance with a .332/.389/.588 batting line while also showcasing elite defensive skills at shortstop. The Royals’ starting rotation boasted the second-best ERA in MLB at 3.55, a significant improvement from previous years.

Entering the current season, the Royals retained the core players from their successful 2024 campaign. Key acquisitions like Jonathan India and Carlos Estevez addressed critical needs, adding a leadoff hitter and strengthening the bullpen. With heightened expectations, the team aims to build upon last year’s success and potentially contend for a championship.

This article examines the key factors that could propel the Royals back to the World Series in 2025 and what needs to materialize for them to ultimately win it all. By focusing on player performance, strategic acquisitions, and bullpen improvements, we will explore the path to success for the Kansas City Royals.

Bobby Witt Jr. Continues Being One of the Best Players in Baseball

Bobby Witt Jr. is undeniably the centerpiece of Kansas City’s baseball scene, proving to be the catalyst for the Royals’ offense in 2024. After a career-best season showcasing a true five-tool skillset, Witt Jr. finished in the MVP race. He combines strong contact and power at the plate with exceptional speed on the bases. Furthermore, Witt is an elite defensive shortstop, anchoring the most crucial defensive position on the field.

This year, the team has bolstered its lineup to support Witt, adding a leadoff hitter ahead of him and fostering development behind him. For the first time, Witt will have a consistent on-base presence leading off, allowing him to be more aggressive at the plate. The Royals are banking on growth from other players, but their success hinges on riding the performance of their star player.

Jonathan India Finishes with at Least a .330 OBP

Securing a leadoff hitter who could consistently get on base in front of Bobby Witt Jr. and other key hitters was the Royals’ top priority this offseason. General Manager JJ Piccolo addressed this need by aggressively trading for Jonathan India from the Cincinnati Reds, parting ways with starting pitcher and former top prospect Brady Singer.

India brings a career on-base percentage of .352. His primary goal for the season is clear: to maximize his on-base opportunities. India will be followed by an MVP candidate and two of the league’s top run producers in Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez.

Last year, the Royals’ leadoff hitters collectively posted a dismal .270 OBP, even worse than the White Sox. A revolving door of players struggled to consistently get on base. Addressing this glaring weakness was the team’s number one priority this season.

Opposing teams will undoubtedly challenge Jonathan India, forcing him to swing the bat. If he can maintain long at-bats and continue to get on base at a high rate in 2025, he can significantly impact the Royals’ offense.

Trade for a Middle-of-the-Order Bat at the Deadline

Despite acquiring Mark Cahna via trade earlier this week, the Royals’ outfield remains weaker than many anticipated. The team is relying on development from MJ Melendez and increased production from players like Hunter Renfroe and Kyle Isbel. Experimentation with players like Maikel Garcia, Jonathan India, and Michael Massey in the outfield has also been explored to bolster offensive output.

If the Royals are in contention at the trade deadline, they will likely be aggressive in seeking offensive additions. Potential targets could include players like Alec Burleson, Taylor Ward, and Adolis Garcia, all of whom might be available if their respective teams are struggling. General Manager J.J. Piccolo has demonstrated a willingness to make aggressive moves to improve the team.

While the Royals’ roster is solid and their offense should improve, adding another consistent hitter in the middle of the order would provide valuable depth and insurance against potential injuries, especially as the season progresses.

The Bullpen Has a Sub-3.70 ERA with a 25% or Better Strikeout Rate

The Royals achieved success in 2024 despite experiencing bullpen struggles, particularly early in the season. By the end of May, Royals relievers had a concerning ERA with the lowest strikeout percentage in baseball. Although the unit improved and finished the year with a better ERA, they still ranked near the bottom in strikeout percentage.

Significant efforts have been made to strengthen the bullpen, with key additions made last season expected to contribute in 2025. Lucas Erceg led MLB in Win Probability Added (WPA), and the team hopes for Hunter Harvey’s successful return from injury.

The Royals also signed Carlos Estévez this offseason, adding him on a two-year deal, hoping he bolsters the back end of their bullpen. Estévez has a history of success and should fill the closer role, allowing Harvey to serve as the setup man and Erceg to handle high-leverage situations.

Championship teams protect their leads. The Royals recognized this and significantly upgraded their bullpen, anticipating substantial improvement this season. A dominant bullpen that can secure leads and generate strikeouts is crucial for a deep playoff run.

Erceg and Estévez Finish with 40 Combined Saves

The Royals aspire to win a significant number of games in 2025. Consequently, they will find themselves in numerous close contests, relying on their key relievers to secure victories.

Lucas Erceg established himself as one of baseball’s premier relievers after joining the Royals and will likely receive opportunities to close out games. However, the majority of save opportunities will be entrusted to Carlos Estévez, the newly acquired free agent.

Both Erceg and Estévez experienced slight dips in velocity during spring training, with Estévez gradually building up his arm strength after dealing with lower back tightness early in camp. If both pitchers can regain their upper-90s velocity and replicate their previous success, they could form one of the most formidable closer combinations in baseball. After experiencing late-inning struggles in 2024, the Royals will depend on Erceg and Estévez to consistently close out games. Their success will be pivotal in the Royals’ ability to win series in 2025.

Kris Bubic Throws 150 Innings with a Sub-4 ERA

This observation may be among the most probable to happen. Confidence in Kris Bubic was a significant factor in the team’s decision to trade Brady Singer.

After recovering from Tommy John surgery, Bubic returned to the Royals’ bullpen mid-season in 2024. This season marks Bubic’s first full year in the starting rotation since 2022, and he has never exceeded 130 innings in a season.

Bubic was impressive out of the bullpen last season, posting a 2.67 ERA over 30.1 innings with nearly 40 strikeouts. The Royals have placed considerable trust in Bubic to return to the rotation in 2025, despite his success as a reliever.

Bubic secured the fourth starter spot out of spring training, effectively replacing Brady Singer and joining Michael Lorenzen in the rotation. Singer had a career year in 2024, pitching nearly 180 innings with a 3.17 ERA, leaving Bubic with significant expectations to meet.

If Bubic can replicate Singer’s production (which is attainable), the Royals could once again boast a top-5 rotation in baseball.

Conclusion

The Royals will need several factors to align favorably to win it all this season. Their key players, such as Bobby Witt Jr., Cole Ragans, and Lucas Erceg, must maintain their high levels of performance, and their new acquisitions must deliver as expected. If Carlos Estévez and Kris Bubic exceed expectations, and their stars remain consistent, the Royals will be well-positioned for a championship run. The final piece will be adding a key player at the trade deadline to bolster the team for the stretch run. If everything falls into place, this Royals team can compete with any team in baseball.