Many were expecting a rebuild with the Royals this year with the expected departure of many free agents. While the Royals may still try to rebuild, it is clear the want to try to win games in 2018 as well, bringing back Mike Moustakas and Alcides Escobar, and bringing in outfielder Jon Jay and first baseman Lucas Duda on very cheap deals.
The Royals finished 80-82 last year, competing in the Wild Card race through much of the summer, but fading towards the end of the year. Looking at their runs scored and runs against, however, the Royals were lucky to be competitive at all.