Entering the 2022 season, there was more optimism surrounding the Royals than in previous seasons. Young pitching prospects had gotten their feet wet in the majors and brighter days for the offense appeared on the horizon with Bobby Witt Jr, MJ Melendez, Nick Pratto, and Vinnie Pasquantino knocking on the door of the majors. The 2021 team had shown signs of progress, winning 74 games after having lost over 100 in the previous two full seasons. Fans hoped that with improvement from the young pitchers as they got acclimated to the majors and the arrival of hitting prospects would help the Royals build on their improved 2021 season.
In a hopeless season, highly-regarded rookies shine
