The Kansas City Royals' struggles this season are not just a blip on the radar; they're a symptom of a deeper, multi-year issue that has left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. The team's offense, once a source of hope and excitement, has turned into a liability, with a record of 7-16 and a league-worst 3.30 runs per game. This is not a team that should be struggling to score runs, especially with a strong starting pitching staff and a lineup that includes some of the best hitters in the game, like Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, and Salvador Perez.
One thing that immediately stands out is the Royals' inability to hit for power. Despite a high flyball rate, they have consistently underperformed in homers, with a total of 18 homers so far this season, tied for 22nd in the league. This is despite the fact that they have moved the fences in Kauffman Stadium, which should theoretically increase the number of homers hit. What's more, their struggles with runners in scoring position are even more concerning, with a wRC+ of 50, the worst in baseball.
The Royals' offense has been a disaster for a while now, and it's not just a matter of a few bad games. In 2022, the team averaged 4.01 runs per game under the leadership of hitting coach Alec Zumwalt, which would have ranked 23rd in the league over a full season. Since then, the 2024 playoff run looks like an aberration rather than progress.
The Royals' struggles are not just limited to the current season; they have been a multi-year issue. Players like Jac Caglianone, Drew Waters, and MJ Melendez have all struggled under Zumwalt's regime, with Caglianone hitting just one homer and Waters being nothing more than an AAAA player. Even players like Ryan O'Hearn and Brent Rooker have found success with other organizations.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the fact that the Royals have a top-three starting pitching staff in baseball, which should provide them with plenty of scoring opportunities. However, their inability to capitalize on these opportunities is a major concern. The Royals' offense is not just a matter of bad luck; it's a matter of poor performance and a lack of consistency.
From my perspective, the Royals' struggles are a reflection of a deeper issue within the organization. The team needs a fresh start, and that means making some tough decisions. The move to replace Alec Zumwalt as hitting coach needs to be made now, before the season is lost. To borrow a phrase from Rex Hudler, 'Alec Zumwalt, you got to go!' The Royals need to take a step back and re-evaluate their approach to hitting, and they need to do it soon.
