Royals clinch 1st postseason berth since 2015 World Series title
The Kansas City Royals are postseason bound.
The Royals clinched their first trip to the playoffs since winning the 2015 World Series following a Minnesota Twins loss against the Baltimore Orioles.
Champagne showers! pic.twitter.com/jeLVjv31ve
— Bally Sports Kansas City (@BallySportsKC) September 28, 2024
Kansas City engineered an incredible turnaround this season after tying a franchise record with 106 losses in 2023.
made playoffs season after losing 100+ games:
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) September 28, 2024
2024 Royals (106 losses in ’23)
2020 Marlins (105 losses in ’19)
2017 Twins (103 losses in ’16)
AL MVP contender and potential batting champ Bobby Witt Jr. was the Royals' biggest spark plug during their miraculous campaign, while veteran catcher Salvador Perez put together a terrific year in his age-34 season.
"I guarantee you, after this year ... they're going to (keep) playing for the playoffs," Perez said during the Royals' locker room celebration, according to Bally Sports Kansas City.
Left-hander Cole Ragans and free-agent signing Seth Lugo were also two of the best starters in the AL this season, giving the Royals a terrific 1-2 punch atop their rotation.
| 2024 | IP | ERA | WHIP | fWAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cole Ragans | 186.1 | 3.14 | 1.14 | 4.9 |
| Seth Lugo | 204.2 | 3.03 | 1.09 | 4.6 |
The Twins were eliminated from playoff contention following their defeat to the Orioles.
Minnesota's record was 70-53 on Aug. 17, but it went 12-25 down the stretch to miss the playoffs after advancing to the American League Division Series in 2023.
All six AL playoff teams are locked in, with the New York Yankees, Cleveland Guardians, Houston Astros, and Detroit Tigers joining the Orioles and Royals.