Royals Review · Mar 28, 2024
Opening Day: Royals v. Twins
Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images2023 was miserable for Royals fans. Sandwiched between back-to-back championships across the parking lot, the other tenant of Truman Sports Complex lost 106 games, tying a franchise record. It was the third 100-loss season in five seasons, not including 2020.
General Manager J.J. Picollo responded by being as active as a Royals GM has ever been in free agency, adding Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, and Hunter Renfroe along with overhauling a miserable bullpen. He spent over $110 million, Kansas City’s most since 2016, and the payroll is up $25 million in 2024. Still, outside onlookers view the Royals as a still-rebuilding team, and it’s hard to blame them.