The Kansas City Royals have defied expectations and positioned themselves as legitimate playoff contenders. With a rising superstar in Bobby Witt Jr., a reliable starting pitching staff, and a team identity centered around speed and defense reminiscent of their 2015 World Series championship squad,

Kansas City Royals starter Michael Wacha made his first spring start after re-signing with the club this offseason. In November, Wacha inked a new three-year contract and returns to fortify the Royals starting rotation.

The Royals were perhaps the most surprising playoff team of 2024. Kansas City had a 30-win improvement relative to the preceding season. They held the Orioles to one run in two games to sweep their Wild Card series.

Last year, the Kansas City Royals came out of nowhere to earn the second wildcard spot in the American league. Can they repeat or improve on that performance in 2025, and how will they match up with the Cleveland Guardians?