The Kansas City Royals’ TV ratings have taken a nosedive since their World Series victory in 2015, and the Kansas City Chiefs benched the Royals in the eyes of the public with the arrival of Patrick Mahomes. However, the 2021 Royals are now looking to shock the world, as they have yet to lose a series.
The underdog charm of the Royals is back better than ever. They are continually ranked low in the official Major League Baseball power rankings, yet they are only behind the Dodgers for first place in the American League. Despite their record, they are in the 20th spot on the MLB power rankings. This was the same story back in 2014 and 2015, making fans excited for a potential ending similar to that of the 2015 season.
When the 2021 season began, the front office signed Salvador Perez to a four-year contract extension through 2026 worth $82 million. So far, Perez has put his money where his mouth is as he has already accomplished his 1000 career hit milestone, a collection of home runs and excellent fieldwork in the catcher position. His success has turned into team success, proving his value as a veteran leader in the clubhouse.
Chief’s superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes became a part owner of the Royals following the signing of his half a billion dollar deal, and he has stated his excitement about the boys in blue.
“I mean, I think we have the best record in AL right now,” Mahomes said. “I know it’s by a couple of percentage points, but to see them starting so hot and really getting contributions from everybody on the team gives me optimism of having a great run. It’s carried over since spring training and will hopefully carry through the rest of the season.”
The Royals played the Tampa Bay Rays and begun a series against the Detroit Tigers, a division rival in the AL Central. They look to continue their hot streak, and manager Mike Matheny said he is optimistic.
“It’s a long season,” Matheny said. “You’re going to have the ups and downs. But to see some of the ups that we want and that level of expectation. To see that I think is very important for a team. A team that has high expectations for the rest of the way.”
If the Royals are able to win both of the series against the Rays and Tigers, it should give them the edge they need to move up the power rankings into a position that they are more deserving of than being at 20.
