The Kansas City Royals' Savvy Offseason Opened A Competitive Window

Most people expected the Kansas City Royals to improve from last year's 56-106 record, but hardly anyone thought they would be competitive in the AL Central this season. After tying a franchise record for losses, Kansas City's front office was surprisingly aggressive this offseason. The most important transaction of the winter was extending 23-year-old shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. The Royals signed him to an 11-year commitment with $288.8 million guaranteed that can grow to a 14-year deal with three team options. After an up-and-down rookie campaign in 2022, he smacked 30 home runs, stole 49 bases, led MLB with 11 triples, and greatly improved his defense in his second season.