While the Kansas City Royals continue their search for offensive reinforcements late into Spring Training, they’ve yet to secure the powerful bat they had envisioned bringing in over the offseason.
As the season approaches, the Royals are hoping that strong performances from their corner outfielders will help relieve the pressure that prompted their search for external help. The team is particularly looking for production from one key player whose bounce-back season could significantly boost the lineup.
This player’s performance, especially after a challenging 2024 season, is critical for Kansas City. Having been signed prior to the 2024 season to provide power in the middle of the order, he struggled to live up to expectations. Despite past seasons with impressive home run totals and solid OPS numbers, he posted career lows in 2024, and the team is now eager for him to regain his former form.
Manager Matt Quatraro is hopeful. “That would be a huge boost to us,” he said. “We know he’s capable of it.”
The player faced a series of injuries last season, starting with back tightness during Spring Training, which disrupted his preparation. Later, he battled a left toe fracture and a hamstring strain, which kept him on and off the injured list. Even when he was active, lingering injuries affected his play. But now, heading into the 2025 season, he is confident he can return to top form.
“Health was a big issue last year,” he admitted. “Toward the middle of the season, some things popped up. It’s all connected, but it feels good now. I feel great this spring. It’s a big plus.”
Determined to come back stronger, he arrived at camp this year in better physical shape, having focused on offseason training that included physical therapy, improved hydration, and a cleaner diet. He even cut out sweets and oils to help his body recover and stay in peak condition.
“I wasn’t necessarily trying to lose weight, but it came naturally with all the offseason work and eating as clean as I can,” he said. “I’m just doing everything I can to make sure I’m as healthy as possible for this year.”
The changes in his physical and mental approach have already been noticeable, and the Royals are hopeful that he’ll be able to contribute more in 2025. “His routines have changed a little bit, trying to close some of the holes from last year,” said Quatraro. “He knows he’s a better player than what he showed last year offensively, and he’s determined to prove that.”
Whether his struggles in 2024 were due to injuries or age-related decline is still up for debate. But one thing is clear: both the Royals and the player believe that a big rebound is within reach.
“I was going good right before I got hurt last year,” he reflected, referencing his strong stretch in June. “The homers were coming, and I was playing good defense. But my body shut down on me. That’s why, this year, I’m making sure I’m as healthy as possible and doing everything I can to prepare my body.”
And with that mindset, the player is ready to take on 2025 and show that he still has plenty to offer the Royals.
