Kansas City Royals 2018 Season Preview

The Kansas City Royals window of contention appears to have closed. Could the Royals surprise everyone with one last run to the playoffs?

Last season, the Kansas City Royals were at a crossroads. As the trade deadline approached, they were in possession of one of the two Wild Cards, giving hope for another deep run in the playoffs. However, key players like Eric Hosmer, Lorenzo Cain, and Mike Moustakas were set to be free agents after the season.

Looking to make one last stand, the Royals went for it, delaying the rebuild for one more run. That move failed in spectacular fashion, as Kansas City plummeted down the standings in the final two months of the season. They ended the year at 80-82, a decent record, but out of the postseason. Hosmer and Cain departed as free agents, leaving the Royals with nothing more than draft picks and international signing bonus money.

It appeared as though the Royals rebuild was coming when Hosmer signed in San Diego. However, a slow free agent market led to several signings, including the unexpected return of Moustakas. There is a bit more optimism around the Royals chances this season than there had been even a month ago, as it would appear as though there may be a chance at another playoff run.

Is that hope misplaced? Can the Kansas City Royals actually make another run in 2018? Let us take a look and find out.