Royals pitchers recorded 1,287 strikeouts in 2016, besting 2013 (1,208) for most in franchise history. Likewise, Royals batters were struck out a franchise-record 1,224 times in 2016, more than the previous record of 1,091, set in 2009.
Danny Duffy led the Royals’ pitching staff with 188 strikeouts, falling 12 shy of becoming just the fifth Kansas City pitcher ever to reach 200 strikeouts in a season (only Dennis Leonard, 244 in 1977, Zack Greinke, 242 in 2009, Kevin Appier, 207 in 1996 and Bob Johnson, 206 in 1970 have accomplished the feat).