Kansas City Royals may finally get a 40 home run hitter

The Kansas City Royals have never had a player hit 40 homers in a season. That could change this year.

The Kansas City Royals hold a unique distinction in Major League Baseball. Despite being a franchise for 50 years, they remain the only team where a player has not hit 40 or more homers in a season. In fact, a 30 homer season has occurred only 12 times in Royals history heading into Tuesday night, an amazingly low total in an era of power and offense.

For years, the single season record was held by Steve Balboni. In 1985, he set the then-record with 36 homers, a mark that lasted until 2017. That year, Mike Moustakas fought off a late season slump to surpass Balboni, hitting 38 homers to take over the team record.

Moustakas’ record may not last nearly as long as Balboni’s. On Tuesday, Jorge Soler took an Andrew Cashner fastball over the Green Monster, giving him his 30th homer of the year. He moved into a tie with George Brett, Chili Davis, and Kendrys Morales for the tenth most homers in a season in Royals history.

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With 47 games left in the season, Soler will continue to move up the leaderboard. It is entirely possible that he reaches Balboni by the end of this month, with Moustakas square in his sights. It is also possible that, barring a late season slump of his own, that Soler becomes the first player in Royals history to belt 40 homers in a season.

Finally getting the chance to play every day, Soler is enjoying a breakout campaign. Prior to Tuesday’s action, he had posted a solid .249/.329/.513 batting line, leading the team in homers and RBI. He has given the lineup a power element that, through the years, had been few and far between.

Of course, it is possible that Soler’s best season in Kansas City will be his last. He was considered a potential trade candidate prior to the deadline, and may well be traded in the offseason. Due just under $4.7 million next season, and with an additional two years of team control afterwards, Soler could be an attractive trade chip, potentially bringing back multiple pieces the rebuilding Royals would need.

For now, Jorge Soler would be content to make his mark on the Kansas City Royals record books. If his power surge continues, he could be the first player with a 40 homer season in team history.