Deadline trades set the stage for a stretch that’s going to define the Royals…..Read more

With some astute trades made at the MLB trade deadline, the Kansas City Royals are prepared to challenge for a postseason spot. More seasoned pitchers were added to the Royals’ roster.

Paul DeJong adds depth to the Royals’ infield, and Michael Lorenzen and Lucas Erceg bolster the pitching staff.

Alec Marsh, a starting pitcher for the Royals in his second year, was also optioned to Triple-A Omaha by the club. Lorenzen will now be able to start the fifth game in the rotation thanks to the surprising trade.

Such choices aren’t simple. However, if the Royals want to end their nine-year playoff skid, they may be required.

Manager J.J. Picollo stated, “You want to have a good team.” So it goes. At this moment, we are proud of the balance that exists on our club, and we know that good teams have it. It was no secret that Picollo wanted the Royals to step up their game in a few crucial areas.

Kansas City came into the trade deadline seeking right-handed bat versatility and high-leverage relievers.

The Royals feel they addressed the primary need when they acquired Erceg and Hunter Harvey, both of whom are relief pitchers. They are both dynamic pitchers who can get a lot of swings and misses. Meanwhile, DeJong provides power as a bench player and has hit 18 home runs so far this season.

You do feel obligated to assist free agents in their endeavors when they commit to you, Picollo added, referring to all of the free agents they were able to obtain. They have done what they could, and now it is our turn to pitch in.

And that was all in an effort to provide this squad the finest possible support.

At this point, what are the Royals’ next steps? They have a 60-49 record going into August and are in first place in the American League for the Wild Card slot, one game ahead of the Boston Red Sox.

In August, the Royals didn’t mean anything anymore.

There is a hunger among the clubhouse veterans to make it to the playoffs. Every game is now a major game, according to first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino. We’ve spent the whole year planning where we want to go. This is exactly where we want to be, and we’re already here.

All of these games are huge right now. With six games to play, the Royals still have a shot of catching up to the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central. The two clubs will square off in a four-game series at Progressive Field later this month.

Upcoming divisional games for the Royals include a three-game road series versus the Minnesota Twins and the Detroit Tigers. The next two home games are against the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies, both of which are important teams.

The Royals’ chances of making the playoffs would improve with a solid month of play.

However, the teams in first place and those still in the postseason hunt will put them to the test. The Royals’ record vs teams with a winning percentage higher than.500 this season is 28-33. The scene is very much the same in September.

On the road, you’ll face the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Atlanta Braves, and the New York Yankees.

Final games versus the Guardians and Twins will be on KC’s home schedule that month.

Playoff implications will be determined by those games. For some of the Royals’ younger players, this could be their first taste of a playoff race. However, the team has bolstered the experience of those younger players with veterans from previous seasons.

Players with postseason experience include Seth Lugo, Adam Frazier, Michael Wacha, and Hunter Renfroe.

In addition to their leadership on the field, each has played a crucial role in bringing the clubhouse under control. That team’s continued success in every facet is now on them, and the Royals couldn’t be more dependent. Must maintain winning.

The addition of seasoned players who can navigate the unpredictable October baseball landscape was the first move in the Royals’ pursuit of postseason play.

Getting victories in the last games that matter is the next challenge. Among the races for the division and the wild card, starting pitcher Brady Singer identified a difficult one. “So, day by day, we will try to put together victories.”

Since being hired before the 2023 season, Royals manager Matt Quatraro has made a daily approach his calling card.

This is the motto that the Royals live by and wear on their sleeve. Many decisions made on the field have been shaped by this organization’s culture. The Royals have always taken great satisfaction in their ability to execute the simple things, such as sacrifice bunts and taking an extra base.

Their chemistry is deeply rooted in that notion.

The ability to contribute and reach base for Pasquantino, Bobby Witt Jr., and Salvador Perez is always a great boon for our team, according to outfielder Kyle Isbel. In the weeks to come, those possibilities will only grow.

Now is the time for the Royals to make history — and they know exactly what’s on the line. Their playoff trip has further checkpoints ahead of it.

A victorious season and individual goals are within reach. Achieving a playoff berth necessitates juggling both endeavors. The Royals have amassed the means and the mentality to pull off a historic feat.

They have the onus now to show that they can deliver under pressure. “I think every single one of us believes that this is just the beginning,” said AL All-Star starting pitcher Cole Ragans.

“You know, there’s still a lot of baseball to play for, and ultimately, we want to make it to the playoffs and win it.”