The Kansas City Royals all gathered in the visiting clubhouse at Truist Park.
They were playing the waiting game.
In 2024, the Royals looked to clinch a postseason spot. The club entered their final three-game series of the regular season against the Atlanta Braves in striking distance of the playoffs.
The game plan was simple: Win and you are in. The alternative option required a bit of help from the Minnesota Twins — their American League Central rivals.
“It was a strange night because we had to wait for some results and we were inside,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “And do we stay? You know, there was a rain delay in one of the other games. And so, it was all worth it at the end of that night to be able to celebrate.”
The Royals lost 3-0 to the Braves. However, they were still able to clinch a postseason berth later that night. The Twins lost to the Baltimore Orioles, which propelled the Royals into a wild-card spot.
It was the club’s first postseason experience since 2015.
The Royals celebrated in the visiting clubhouse. Champagne bottles were popped and celebratory victory cigars handed out. The Royals welcomed their families in the celebration as a team photo followed later on the field.
The moment was special. A team that had lost 106 games the previous year had completed a miraculous turnaround.
And in turn, the Royals could dream again.
“You know, anytime you’re popping bottles, it’s always fun,” Royals starter Michael Wacha said. “It’s important to remember those feelings, because that’s what we’re striving to do here. That’s to get back to popping bottles and you know getting a ring on our finger.”
The Royals want to experience that celebratory feeling again. On Friday, the club opened the 2026 season against the Braves. It was their first road opener in Quatraro’s tenure.
And it’s arguably the most important.
“Just to be back in this clubhouse and be reminded of those memories, it’s a full-circle moment,” Royals reliever Lucas Erceg said before the game. “… I think it kind of sets the tone for the year and what our mindset is in this clubhouse. I think everyone is kind of on the same page in that sense.”
The Royals revamped their roster this offseason. New acquisitions Isaac Collins, Lane Thomas, Starling Marte all arrived to bolster the outfield. The trio was in the starting lineup against tough Braves lefty Chris Sale on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Royals added relievers Matt Strahm, Alex Lange and Nick Mears to their bullpen mix. Strahm is expected to handle high-leverage situations in the late innings.
The Royals felt the new additions raised the overall floor of the roster. There is a veteran mentality that accompanies their arrival. There is an expectation to win and achieve those same goals as in 2024.
“We have new guys, and I think we have a better team than last year,” Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia said. We’re just trying to, you know, be better than last year. Just score more runs and help the pitchers.”
The Royals will get an accurate depiction this weekend. The Braves have a high-powered offense and can score in bunches. The Royals pride themselves on pitching and defense, and those will be tested.
However, a few players are ready for the challenge. They are motivated to prove why the club can become a postseason contender.
“You know, going into this year, I think we got a lot of guys in here that have a chip on their shoulder and are ready to get this season going,” Royals reliever John Schreiber said.
And if the Royals have their way, the club will experience the same joys that headlined their 2024 campaign.
It will start with their opening series against the Braves.
“You don’t take this for granted,” Quatraro said. “I mean, how many times do you get to come out and experience something like this. You don’t know how many (opening days) you are going to have, so you don’t take it for granted.”
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.kansascity.com ’
