5 Royals Leaving Kansas City in the New Year
By Joe Summers
The Royals finally appear to be set up for sustained success after a spectacular 2024 campaign that saw them make the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade. Fans are justifiably thrilled, and Kansas City has become a major team to watch this offseason as a result.
While the roster will look mostly the same, there are some key differences going into 2025. Brady Singer has already been traded for Jonathan India, for example, and more moves are likely to come.
Despite a strong foundation led by Bobby Witt Jr. and an excellent rotation, the roster still has holes. Kansas City's bullpen ranked in the bottom 10 in ERA, while the offense lacked punch for long stretches. This is still a playoff team, though there are a handful of Royals who will be leaving the team as we turn the page to a new year.
1. Will Smith - RP
Will Smith reunited with Kansas City planning to serve as the team's closer. Things unraveled quickly and Smith was eventually demoted. James McArthur took over the closer role before the acquisition of Lucas Erceg, relegating Smith to easier situations with less pressure.
On the season, Smith finished with an 0-4 record and a career-worst 6.53 ERA. He walked 15 batters and gave up seven home runs, striking out just 29 in 41.1 innings, notching just one save. At 35 years old, Smith's best days are clearly behind him and there's little reason to expect him to remain with the organization.
.@Royals reliever Will Smith with another scoreless frame here today. Smith has registered 9 consecutive scoreless outings, covering 7.2 innings, during which he’s retired 22 of 25 batters.
— Ian Kraft (@Krafty_3) May 19, 2024
He hasn't allowed a run in exactly a month.#WelcomeToTheCity | #Royals pic.twitter.com/9DZU3RICYx
Notably, Smith put together a nice stretch in the middle of the year after losing the closer job. Injuries eventually curtailed that progress and Smith ended the campaign on the disabled list.
A one-time All-Star who won a World Series with three different teams, Smith has enjoyed an impressive career. He's not currently under contract though, and there's little reason to expect the front office to extend an offer to him.
Rebuilding the bullpen was perhaps the biggest priority entering the 2025 season. Unfortunately, that means saying goodbye to veterans like Smith who faltered down the stretch.