Royals 2020 Win Total Prediction
The Royals have a new manager in former Cardinals skipper Mike Matheny, who will oversea the continued rebuild in Kansas City. How many games will the Royals win in 2020 with their win total sitting at 65.5?
Royals Win Total Odds
According to oddsmakers from online sportsbook Sportsbook.com, the Royals have an over/under of 65.5 wins for 2020, with the over carrying juice of 20/21 and the under carrying odds of 4/5.
Royals Offseason Moves
Like most rebuilding teams, Kansas City was quiet this offseason. It doesn’t make sense for rebuilding teams to throw a bunch of money around and limit their future spending in a feeble attempt to win when they’re rebuilding their farm system. That said, the Royals did acquire pitcher Chance Adams from the Yankees and re-signed long-time outfielder Alex Gordon.
The key is that the Royals’ farm system looks to be on the upswing and Adams was a once-promising pitching prospect in the Yankees’ farm system. For a team like Kansas City, Adams is a good low-risk move considering the front office didn’t give up much for him (infielder Cristian Perez).
Royals Win Total Prediction
Believe it or not, the Royals have some good position players to build around, starting with Whit Merrifield. Hunter Dozier hit 26 home runs with 10 triples and 29 doubles in 2019. He has 30-home run potential and could also steal 20 bases. Adalberto Mondesi is coming off shoulder surgery but the 24-year-old could have a breakthrough season if he can stay healthy. First baseman Ryan O’Hearn could take the next step in his development and add another 25-plus home run hitter to a lineup that doesn’t lack power or speed.
The pitching is what will bring this club down again in 2020. Ian Kennedy, who saved 30 games in his first season as the closer, is likely to get traded and who knows if Danny Duffy can regain his former form after battling injuries the past few seasons. While there are some building blocks from a position player standpoint, the pitching staff remains a big weakness.
Even with the lack of pitching, I still see the Royals winning closer to 70 games this season, which would put them over their projected win total. Again, this club is not without talent and while Matheny eventually wore out his welcome in St. Louis by playing his favorites (both when it came to players and his coaching staff), he is a respected leader that will demand that his club wins.
2020 MLB Win Total Prediction: Kansas City Royals OVER 65.5 Wins