KC Royals: Five huge IFs for deep postseason push in 2021

The KC Royals can make a deep run in the postseason this year but there are some big IFs in order for that feat to happen. 

Thursday marks the beginning of the 2021 season for the Kansas City Royals and there’s a lot of hype for this season. Fans are excited to see what this team can do and even though the division is going to be a tough obstacle, many seem to have faith that the Royals will outperform their PECOTA projection of 71 wins.

While making the postseason seems unlikely this year, anything is possible. If the Royals want to punch their ticket to the playoffs for the first time in six years, these five things have to happen.

KC Royals can make deep postseason run if…

Carlos Santana reverses recent trends of decline

Signing Carlos Santana was a good move for many different reasons. First, it gives the Royals some time to be patient with Nick Pratto. Second, Santana is someone who can draw walks and get on base. Third, he’s an experienced veteran who can mentor these young players as they look to contend.

The big question, however, is what version of Santana will the Royals be getting?

In 2019, Santana was tremendous, slashing .281/.397/.515 with 34 home runs and 93 RBI while drawing 108 walks in 573 at-bats with Cleveland. The 2020 season was a totally different story though, as Santana slashed just .199/.349/.350 with eight home runs and 30 RBI, but still drew 47 walks in his 206 at-bats.

If the Royals get the 2019 version of Santana, they’ll be in good shape offensively. That version of Santana was efficient at the plate in more ways than one whereas, in 2020, he mostly found his way onto the bases by drawing a walk.

If Carlos Santana plays as he did in 2019, the Royals are capable of making some noise late in the season.