The five signature Royals players of the 2024 MLB season

This past season exceeded all expectations, but these players had a larger role than most.

When you think back on the Kansas City Royals’ 2023 season, what stands out more—the moments or the overall result? For me, it’s the moments. I think of Jake Eisenberg’s electrifying call of the walk-off grand slam against the Minnesota Twins. I see Zack Greinke’s poignant departure from the mound, likely for the last time. And I feel the unfiltered joy on Bobby Witt Jr.’s face as he retrieved Samad Taylor’s walk-off ball.

It’s those moments that overshadowed the grim reality of 106 losses and a season that was, for the most part, difficult to watch. Royals fans have grown familiar with the valleys more than the peaks, but the climb back to relevance was closer than it seemed.

The Kansas City Royals 2024 season is one fans will remember for quite awhile.

By 2024, Royals fans were finally back at Kauffman Stadium, sharing the thrill of postseason baseball once again. The two home losses may have tempered the excitement, but the playoffs were a hopeful stepping stone, rekindling the roars and cheers that echoed through 2014 and 2015. That experience reminded fans of what’s possible and gave them a glimpse of brighter days ahead.

As we look toward 2025, it’s important to recognize the strides made this past season. The 30-win improvement will take time to fully appreciate, as will the way the Royals defied projections, odds, and trends to secure their first postseason berth in nearly a decade. But for now, let’s tie a bow on 2024 by celebrating the five signature Royals players who defined this memorable season and will forever be associated with its resurgence.

Bobby Witt Jr.

Was there any other way to start than the Texan himself?

Bobby Witt Jr. solidified his superstar status in 2024, earning his first career All-Star selection and slugging his way to the Home Run Derby finals in Texas. The 24-year-old had already proven he was a star in the making with his historic 30/49 season in 2023. He followed that up with a jaw-dropping 32/31 campaign, becoming the first shortstop in MLB history with multiple 30/30 seasons. Witt’s all-around excellence didn’t stop there—he claimed the American League batting title with a .332/.389/.588 slash line, cementing his place as one of the game’s elite.

Undoubtedly the Royals’ best player, Witt was unanimously named the Les Milgram Player of the Year for the second straight season. That made him the only player in franchise history to win the honor three consecutive times since its inception in 1971. With three MLB seasons under his belt, Witt already sits tied for the second-most Milgram awards in team history, trailing only George Brett’s record eight selections.

Witt’s 2024 accolades tell the story of his dominance. He earned a spot on the All-MLB First Team, took home both the American League Gold Glove and Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger awards, and finished as the runner-up for the AL Most Valuable Player Award. To top it all off, he was named the overall winner of the MLBPAA Heart and Hustle Award, honoring his passion and dedication to the game.

While Witt left some room for improvement in the playoffs, he accounted for all but one of Kansas City’s runs in the Wild Card series against the Baltimore Orioles. As he goes, so goes the team—that’s the reality of being a franchise cornerstone. His incredible 2024 campaign not only reinforced his status as the Royals’ leader but also cemented his position among the best players in all of baseball. Whenever MLB fans look back on the 2024 season, they’ll have no choice but to recognize Bobby Witt Jr.’s brilliance and his undeniable impact on Kansas City’s success.

Salvador Perez

During a recent job interview, I mentioned my Royals fandom. Instead of talking about Bobby Witt Jr., the stadium debate, or the farm system, the interviewer immediately brought up their admiration for Salvador Perez. It was a reminder of just how much the Venezuelan means to Kansas City baseball. As one of the last ties to those pennant-winning Royals teams, Perez’s 2024 season reaffirmed his immense value to a playoff team—and to the fans who adore him.

Perez could have retired after the 2023 season and still been a strong Hall of Fame candidate. Instead, 2024 served as a testament to his greatness, both at the plate and behind the dish, while further solidifying his legacy as one of the best catchers of his generation. At 34 years old, Perez is still going strong.

Now a nine-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger, Perez batted .271 with 27 home runs and 104 RBIs in 2024. His 115 wRC+ was his best mark since 2021, reflecting a more patient approach at the plate that helped him get on base more often. He also tied his career-best 3.2 fWAR, thanks to his resurgent offensive output and surprising defensive value. While he made a career-high 49 appearances at first base in 2024, his performance there—worth five Outs Above Average—vastly exceeded expectations, proving he could still adapt and contribute in new ways.

Off the field, Perez’s larger-than-life personality continues to shine. In August, he captured hearts by joining a neighborhood wiffleball game on his off day, running through a backyard with local kids. The moment quickly went viral, showcasing Perez’s humility and love for the game. His impact extended far beyond the diamond as he became the first Royals player to earn the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award and also received a Musial Award, honoring his off-field contributions to the community.

Perez might not have been the biggest star during the Royals’ 2014 and 2015 postseason runs, but he was always a fan favorite. While his performance dipped in 2023, this past season reminded everyone why his infectious smile carried Kansas City through some tough rebuilding years. As the team’s captain heads into 2025, Royals fans can rejoice in knowing that Salvador Perez isn’t going anywhere. He remains the heart and soul of this franchise—and a living legend in Kansas City baseball.

Cole Ragans

Kansas City Star Royals beat reporter Jaylon Thompson recently reflected on the 2023 signing of reliever Aroldis Chapman, calling it “a gift that continues to fuel the Royals today.” While Chapman hasn’t pitched for Kansas City since early 2023 and is now with his third team since that time, the “gift” Thompson refers to isn’t a high-profile prospect or financial flexibility—it’s Cole Ragans.

Since joining the Royals in 2023, Ragans has emerged as one of baseball’s best starters, and his 2024 campaign elevated him even further. The southpaw finished fourth in AL Cy Young voting, was a finalist for the Gold Glove Award, and set a Royals single-season record with a 29.3% strikeout rate. That mark shattered the previous record—Zack Greinke’s 26.4% in his 2009 Cy Young-winning season—by nearly three percentage points.

Ragans’ exceptional season earned him the Joe Burke Special Achievement Award, given to an “unsung player who contributed beyond what was expected or someone voters felt deserved recognition for an outstanding season.” That description fits Ragans perfectly in 2024. He delivered career-highs in wins, starts, quality starts, innings pitched, and strikeouts, cementing himself as the ace of Kansas City’s rotation. His growth from 2023 to 2024 has been remarkable, and while maintaining that trajectory is no small feat, Royals fans are already reaping the rewards of general manager J.J. Picollo’s bold trade deadline move in the summer of 2023.

What once seemed like a gamble has turned into a franchise-altering decision, with Ragans now standing as a cornerstone of the Royals’ future.

Seth Lugo

The World Series matchup between the Royals and New York Mets may feel like a distant memory, but imagine how it feels for Seth Lugo. Back in 2015, the then-25-year-old pitcher was on the cusp of cracking New York’s postseason roster, only to fall short. He didn’t make his MLB debut until the following year and spent several seasons as a reliever, enduring ups and downs in a Mets uniform. Fast forward to 2024, and Lugo couldn’t have scripted a better debut season in Kansas City.

Lugo earned Royals Pitcher of the Year honors after a spectacular campaign that included a second-place finish in AL Cy Young voting. The veteran exceeded all expectations, making his first All-Star appearance and adding a Gold Glove to an already stellar season. On the mound, Lugo was a force, posting a 3.00 ERA—the lowest by a Royals starter since Zack Greinke’s 2.16 ERA in his 2009 Cy Young-winning season.

What set Lugo apart was his ability to keep hitters guessing with his deep pitching arsenal. His efficiency and consistency were key to his success, and his 4.7 fWAR was second only to Cole Ragans among Royals pitchers. It also marked the highest WAR for any Royals free-agent acquisition in their debut season. Picollo’s 2023 offseason moves were some of the league’s best, and Lugo’s performance on an affordable contract stands out as a particularly bright success.

Beyond the numbers, Lugo’s impact in the clubhouse cannot be overstated. Royals fans saw his leadership on full display throughout the season, from the post-start huddles with fellow pitchers to the fiery moments that inspired his teammates. The ripple effect of his presence contributed to a noticeable improvement in Kansas City’s pitching staff, lifting the overall standard for the team.

Seth Lugo’s 2024 season was a masterclass in both individual excellence and team leadership. As the Royals look ahead to 2025, fans can only hope that Lugo continues to deliver the same magic that made him one of the brightest stars in Kansas City’s resurgence.

Lucas Erceg

How volatile was the Kansas City Royals bullpen in 2024? The early-season closer experiment with Will Smith and James McArthur was a rough patch that dragged down the team’s outlook and became a frequent critique among Royals fans. That’s why the addition of reliever Hunter Harvey was such a welcome change, but it was the acquisition of Lucas Erceg at the trade deadline that truly gave Kansas City’s bullpen the consistency it desperately needed.

The converted third baseman had been playing second fiddle to rookie sensation Mason Miller with the Athletics, but the Royals freed him from that shadow at the trade deadline. From the moment he made his Royals debut on July 31, Erceg was nothing short of spectacular. His 1.4 fWAR led all MLB relievers after the trade, and he posted a 2.88 ERA with an impressive 11.16 K/9. Whether it was his electric fastball, his ability to escape high-pressure jams, or his underrated slider, Erceg quickly became a revelation for Kansas City.

If you’re unfamiliar with Erceg’s story of sobriety, it’s worth reading. MLB.com’s Anne Rogers and Adam McCalvy detailed his journey, including the personal challenges he’s overcome and the reminder stitched onto his glove. It’s a powerful testament to his resilience and serves as an important reminder of the hurdles many face—stories that deserve respect, not dismissal.

The Royals paid a notable prospect package to acquire Erceg, but the return has been well worth the price. For a bullpen in dire need of stability, Erceg brought more than just results—he brought hope. With half a decade of team control remaining, the right-hander has the potential to anchor Kansas City’s bullpen for years to come. While still relatively green at the major league level, his performance in the second half of 2024 sets a high standard—one Royals fans can hope to see replicated for seasons to come.