What comes next for the Kansas City Royals after a historic 106-loss season in 2023?

Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro offered an honest perspective when reflecting on his first season at the helm of his new squad.

“We got punched in the face early and we didn’t recover from a win-loss standpoint,” Quatraro said.

The Royals produced one of the worst seasons in franchise history. KC finished 56-106 and tied the club record for most losses in a single season. There were a few highlights but several more areas that needed improvement.

A positive note: The Royals won 12 of their last 17 games. They swept the playoff-bound Houston Astros and won their regular-season finale against the New York Yankees.

Royals general manager J.J. Picollo was encouraged by the strong finish. However, he set the expectation that the Royals need to be better next season.

“(Having) 106 losses is a difficult thing to take,” Picollo said. “There were a lot of challenges along the way. That’s not what our expectations are. Our expectations are much greater and we accept responsibility for that.

“Just talking to players at the end of the year, I think they are in agreement with us that the performance needs to be better.”

Picollo is focused on several areas that will be addressed moving forward. He mentioned that the Royals will pursue pitching help this offseason. That includes finding reliable bullpen arms and potentially a veteran starter.

The Royals will also look for more consistency in the outfield. There will be competition to solidify roles heading into the 2024 season. It’s also possible the Royals add an impact bat that can fill a corner outfield spot.

KC plans to continue those evaluations this offseason. There is an added benefit, as Picollo announced the entire Royals staff will be back in their designated positions.

“We had a lot of people that were in positions for the first time this year,” Piccolo said. “There was a lot of learning that was going on amongst our staff. I think (Quatraro) did an outstanding job just kind of steadying the ship the entire year.”

The Royals’ staff returning could help accelerate more player development. This season, KC saw young prospects Bobby Witt Jr., Michael Massey and Maikel Garcia take steps forward in the big leagues.

Defensively, the Royals saw improvement under infield coach José Alguacil. The Royals’ infield developed better habits, such as consistent footwork, that aided in run prevention.

KC also got production from midseason trades. Three deals netted Cole Ragans, Nelson Velázquez and James McArthur. Royals coaches worked extensively with each acquisition and saw favorable results.

Ragans was named American League Pitcher of the Month for August. Velázquez added increased power in the middle of the lineup. Meanwhile, McArthur earned a steady role as the Royals’ de facto closer in September.

There is hope the Royals can see further growth next season. The coaching staff returning will create continuity in spring training.

“We do expect better results in time, but right now, we like what we are seeing behind the curtain,” Picollo said.

As the coaching staff returns, the Royals are also focused on fielding a competitive roster.

The Royals witnessed Witt produce an all-time MLB season. He posted career numbers across the board: 30 home runs, 49 stolen bases, 96 RBIs and 97 runs scored.

Witt became the 45th player to record a 30-30 season (30 home runs and 30 stolen bases) and was the first MLB player to have at least 20 homers and 20 stolen bases in consecutive seasons to begin a career.

Witt is a major piece of the roster. The Royals have explored contract extension talks and have a goal to get something done.

“We are working on that,” Picollo said. “I don’t really want to comment on it more than (saying it’s) a goal of ours. It would be exciting to do so, as he is a special player. We want to keep special players in our uniform.”

The Royals also expect veterans Jordan Lyles and Salvador Perez to be back next season. Both added experience to a young roster in a difficult season.

Perez was the subject of trade rumors this season. He reiterated a desire to remain with the Royals in 2024. Picollo mentioned he anticipates Perez being a part of the organization when next year rolls around.

“He’ll be a part of this,” Picollo said. “We look forward to having him back and look forward to him being a part of a team that wins again in Kansas City.”

The Royals are expected to lean on Witt and Perez to spearhead the offense. However, Quatraro knows that more depth is needed to be competitive.

“You can never have enough good players,” Quatraro said. “We have to create a tremendous amount of depth.”

The Royals haven’t nailed down a specific payroll number. However, Picollo said he has a general idea and stated there is around $30 million coming off the books.

“Teams have won with lesser payrolls,” Picollo said. “So, that can’t be what I wake up thinking about every day. What I need to wake up thinking about is talking to people in our front office, talking to (Quatraro) about how we can make this team better and not get too focused on payroll.”

The Royals have a lot of work to do regardless of payroll. They dubbed 2023 as a “season of evaluation” but now it’s time to turn the page. Eleven players made their MLB debut this year and will be in the mix for roster spots.

KC believes their infield is set and will get stronger with first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino returning from injury. The outfield has question marks, but center fielder Kyle Isbel has made strides.

The Royals will likely expect Ragans, Lyles and Brady Singer to be in the starting rotation. The other spots should feature a competition between injured starters Daniel Lynch IV, Kris Bubic and others.

“We are not going to settle,” Picollo said. “We don’t like talking about this in these terms, but when guys have options, we have opportunities to find players who can beat them out for positions.”