MLB Win Totals 2021: Kansas City Royals
Over/Under 72.5 wins
Prediction: Over
The Royals are ready to turn things around. They hit triple digits in the loss column in 2018 and 2019, but they progressed last season, finishing eight games below .500. In 162-game terms, they were on pace to go 70-92.
They rode the momentum into the offseason, signing Mike Minor and Carlos Santana. They also acquired 26-year-old outfielder Andrew Benintendi from the Boston Red Sox.
The Royals had the 27th-best OBP (.309) in MLB last year and the 19th-best SLG (.402). Santana is one of the premier on-base players in the sport, and Benintendi was among the league leaders in doubles in 2018 and 2019.
Kansas City’s offense could have a big year if Jorge Soler and Hunter Dozier can do their part in the middle of the lineup. Both had down seasons with the bat after producing stellar numbers the year prior. They’ll step up to the plate in countless run-scoring opportunities, with Whit Merrifield, Benintendi, and Santana often reaching base ahead of them.
Rotation depth is the key to the Royals’ 2021 season. They have a hidden gem in Brad Keller at the top; however, question marks follow him. Southpaws Danny Duffy and Mike Minor struggled a season ago, posting ERAs in the 5.00 range. The other two pinned starters, Brady Singer and Kris Bubic, are still getting their feet wet in the major leagues.
If two of those four can put together strong seasons, the Royals are deep enough on offense and in the bullpen to flirt with a .500 record. Take the over on 72.5 wins.
Detroit Tigers
Over/Under 68.5 wins
Prediction: Under
Comerica Park will be prospect row in 2021. Barring any setbacks, their top three pitching prospects should gain plenty of MLB experience as the season transpires. Tigers fans should also get an advanced look at the organization’s top three position prospects.
Each up and comer will have their moments, but growing pains will ensue. Casey Mize will look to settle in after allowing 13 walks and seven home runs in 28.1 innings with the Tigers in 2020.
Detroit starters posted an MLB-worst 6.37 ERA last year. Their bullpen wasn’t much better, ranking 25th in ERA. Defensively, they ended the season with -18 DRS; offensively, they finished 25th in MLB with a .700 OPS.
The Tigers still have a ways to go before making opponents shake in their boots. 2021 is about trending in the right direction. Hopefully, they do, but they won’t get to 69 wins.