It has been no secret that the Kansas City Royals have struggled to develop pitching, and especially starting pitching. This year, their starters have the fourth-worst ERA in baseball, the sixth-worst FIP in baseball, and the second-worst K-BB% in baseball. Since 2016—over the last seven seasons—Royals starters have had the third-worst ERA in baseball, the third-worst FIP in baseball, and the third-worst K-BB% in baseball.
Moreover, after winning the 2015 World Series, the Royals have been one of the worst teams in baseball. They are on track to lose 100 or more games for the third time in the last five seasons, and should the Seattle Mariners and Philadelphia Phillies hold onto their Wild Card positions, the Royals’ seven-season playoff drought will be tied for the second-longest in the league.