Kansas City’s 2024 Resurgence: Key Moves Behind the GM’s Success
Kansas City’s remarkable turnaround in 2024 can largely be attributed to savvy decisions made by general manager J.J. Picollo. Last winter, Picollo revamped the Royals’ starting rotation, bringing in Seth Lugo — who earned his first Gold Glove in 2024 and finished second in AL Cy Young voting — and Michael Wacha. He also added position players Hunter Renfroe and Adam Frazier, while securing superstar shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. with the largest contract in franchise history.
These moves helped the team start strong, but Picollo continued strengthening the roster as the season progressed. He acquired pitcher Michael Lorenzen and closer Lucas Erceg for the final stretch, while signing Yuli Gurriel, Robbie Grossman, and Tommy Pham to bolster the lineup after Vinnie Pasquantino was placed on the Injured List in late August.
Looking ahead, the Royals now face the challenge of proving that their 2024 success wasn’t a fluke but the start of a new era of contention. The team has already made offseason moves, re-signing Wacha and trading starter Brady Singer to the Cincinnati Reds for second baseman Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer. It’s clear that Kansas City is aiming for another postseason appearance next year, and Picollo is determined to make it happen.
If all goes according to plan, Royals fans could have even more reasons to celebrate by the end of next season.
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