The Kansas City Royals hope to climb out of the basement of the American League Central Division. The Royals finished 65-97 last season, one game out of fourth but 27 games out of the division. Continue reading below to get our best Kansas City Royals Season Odds, Picks and much more.
Very few people will be making MLB picks for futures on Kansas City Royals season odds, but on a game-by-game basis, there are going to be some intriguing MLB games with opposing MLB teams.
The Royals radically changed their management with Matt Quatraro being hired as manager after being the Tampa Bay Rays’ bench coach. Then after firing Dayton Moore as general manager, Kansas City promoted J.J. Picollo, who made some intriguing moves.
The MLB schedule starts today, so there is no time better than to review how the Royals have improved and what the Kansas City Royals season odds are. Of course, Royals fans hope to have a clean MLB injury report in hopes of moving up the MLB standings and closer to contention for a playoff spot.
Youthful Roster
The Kansas City Royals have a youthful roster that will grow together. Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is the prized possession and is 22 years old, while first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino is 25 and ready to gain more MLB experience. Second baseman Michael Massey just turned 25, while catcher/outfielder MJ Melendez and center fielder Drew Waters are each 24.
The young core is something that is going to take time to develop and have some growing pains. But they should also bring a sense of pride for Royals fans who get to watch them develop together, much like the World Series teams in the mid-2010s.
Versatility is Key
A season ago, the Royals were 24th in scoring 3.95 runs per game, Kansas City Royals team stats show. The offense has some players who are versatile and can play multiple positions, which will be an additional factor into their development.
The starting rotation has three pitchers who are 26 years old or younger. Brady Singer is the lone righty who came on strong last season with a 10-5 record, 3.23 ERA, and 150 strikeouts in 153.1 innings pitched, Kansas City Royals player stats show.
The team and staff are hoping that southpaws Daniel Lynch and Kris Bubic make similar jumps. The pitching staff ranked 26th last season in allowing 5.00 runs per game.
Veteran Depth
But the Royals made moves to address that area of concern. Alongside veteran Zack Greinke, who is 39 years old, entering his 20th MLB season, and is a former Cy Young award winner, are some veteran relievers who hope to add a punch to the backend of the bullpen.
Scott Barlow returns as the closer, and lefty Amir Garrett is in his second season with the Royals. But they also added the hard-throwing Aroldis Chapman, who is 35 and went 4-4 with a 4.46 ERA and had nine saves last season before getting injured and losing his closing role, MLB player stats show. Perhaps Chapman regains his form and can become the closer again, but there is no pressure for him to do so.
Meanwhile, veteran Ryan Yarbrough, who has experience as a starter, was added to the mix as well.
Salvador Perez is again back to handle catching duties, while other veterans like Hunter Dozier, Nicky Lopez, and Kyle Isbel will factor in during different points of the season.
Season Odds
The Kansas City Royals season odds to win the AL Central are not great. They are +3000, the worst of the five teams, to win the AL Central. A wild gamble on the Royals to win the pennant sees +10000 odds, tied for second worst with their division foe, the Detroit Tigers.
The World Series? The Royals and Tigers again tie at +20000 odds, tied for the sixth worst odds to win it all.
Will the Royals win 69 games or more? Oddsmakers have set the regular season win total at 68.5 wins with -115 odds on the over or the under.
It is going to be a difficult year for Royals fans if they judge it by wins and losses.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.