As the 2023 Major League Baseball season approaches, Kansas City Royals fans are eager to see what their team has in store. Following their World Championship in 2015, the Royals have had seven consecutive losing seasons. Despite some major changes in the team, it doesn’t seem that there is much reason to believe this season will be a dramatic shift from that narrative, but time will tell.
One of the most significant changes for the Royals was the firing of Mike Matheny and hiring of Matt Quataro as the new team manager. Quataro brings a wealth of experience to the team, having managed the minor league Tampa Bay Rays operation. He was highly desired in the current MLB hiring pool. The Royals are lucky to have him.
The player, Bobby Witt Jr., seeks to continue building his career since being drafted second overall in 2019. After hitting 20 home runs last year, it’s likely his goal will be to perform with even higher results. SBNation lists him as the team’s biggest strength going into the season, despite only being 22 years old.
The Royals are led by veteran Salvador Perez, who is still holding it down as catcher. Perez is surrounded by a strong core of younger players. Quataro was interviewed by the Kansas City star about expectations for the veteran catcher. “We want him in the lineup as many days as possible and we’re going to do our best to pick our spots to figure out how we make that work,” he said.
The Royals will face stiff competition in the American League Central, which includes perennial playoff contenders like the Chicago White Sox and the Cleveland Guardians. However, with their new additions, talented young players, and skilled returners, the Royals have the potential to surprise their audience and go for a championship season.
Overall, Royals fans have reason to be excited and hopeful for the upcoming season. With a new manager, talented roster, and renewed sense of purpose, the team is in a position to make some noise and compete at a high level. It could be a prosperous year for Kansas City baseball fans.
