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Kansas City Royals expecting major turnaround in second half

By David Hill

Jul 6, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals manager Mike Matheny (22) relieves starting pitcher Kris Bubic (50) during the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 6, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals manager Mike Matheny (22) relieves starting pitcher Kris Bubic (50) during the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /
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At one point, the Kansas City Royals were one of the biggest surprises in baseball. They entered May with the best record in the game, only to watch as that early success completely fade away. The Royals now hold a 36-53 record heading into the All Star Break, winning just 20 games in the past two and a half months.

However, they are not just playing out the string. Manager Mike Matheny sees reason for optimism, promising that a special story will play out over the second half of the season.

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At this point, it is far more likely that the Royals will be selling off whatever players they can in the next few weeks than making a miraculous comeback. Yet, it makes sense for Matheny to project such a sense of optimism, as having him say that the team is dead in the water and should look towards 2023 would not go over well, as honest as it might be.

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It would take some serious changes in fortune for this to happen. The Royals’ pitching has been a disaster, especially with their young arms and in the bullpen. The idea of bringing back as much of the former gang as possible simply has not worked, as those veteran relievers appear to have absolutely nothing left.

Meanwhile, the young arms that the Royals brought up from Triple-A did not appear to be ready. Jackson Kowar and Daniel Lynch bombed dramatically in their brief time in the majors. Brad Keller has taken a major step backwards, and Mike Minor has been a bust as a free agent signing.

The lineup is not without fault either. Only three players have an OPS+ over league average, while Jorge Soler has taken a major step back this season. Hunter Dozier, signed to a four year extension, has forgotten how to hit entirely. If there is hope for this season, it is difficult to see.

But as they say, hope springs eternal. Matheny feels that there are brighter days ahead for the Royals, and those days will begin once the All Star Break is over. Maybe he is correct in that assertation, but not even Pete Rose would bet on those odds.

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Manager Mike Matheny feels that the Kansas City Royals are ready to surprise in the second half. At least he has confidence in his team.

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