Kansas City Royals Odds to Win the World Series

After finishing with the second-worst record in the MLB last season at 56-106, the Kansas City Royals are looking to make progress in the upcoming season. The Royals made a bevy of free agency moves, dishing out over $108 million. Most of the upgrades focused on pitching after Kansas City finished with the fifth-worst skill-interactive earned run average (SIERA).

Will the Royals additions be enough alongside their young, promising infield? Let's dig into how Kansas City projects for the 2024 season.

What are the Kansas City Royals' odds to win the World Series this season, per FanDuel Sportsbook's World Series odds?

The Kansas City Royals are longshots to win the World Series at +15000 -- the seventh-longest odds.

Can the Royals take a step in the right direction, though? Here's what to know about Kansas City ahead of the 2024 season.

All MLB odds come from FanDuel Sportsbook.

Royals World Series Odds

• Odds to Win the World Series: +15000 (24th)

Royals Betting Odds

• Win Total: 73.5 (25th)
• Odds to Make the Playoffs: +460 (25th)
• Odds to Win the AL Central: +1000 (4th)
• Odds to Reach ALCS: +3000 (12th)
• Odds to Win the American League: +7000 (tied 12th)

Royals Projections

nERD from numberFire. Projections via FanGraphs.

• nERD: -1.14 (tied 24th)
• Wins: 76 (26th)
• Runs Per Game: 4.64 (tied 18th)
• Runs Allowed Per Game: 4.98 (tied 27th)
• Run Differential: -54 (26th)

Royals Analysis

As previously mentioned, the Royals have a promising infield led by shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.. The budding star improved pretty much across the board in his second season. Witt's batting average went from .254 to .276, and his on-base percentage went from .294 to .319. The 23-year-old shortstop also ranked in the 95th percentile of expected batting average (xBA) and expected slugging (xSLG), per MLB's Savant.

Kansas City's success may start and end with Witt as he could take a major third-year leap, establishing himself as one of the league's top shortstops. FanDuel Sportsbook's MLB specials are in line with this as Witt is tied for the fourth-shortest odds to lead baseball in hits (+1800).

Witt is not the only promising piece in the infield, though. First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino and third baseman Maikel Garcia are also capable of carving out significant roles in the upcoming season.

As FanGraphs' projected stats suggest, the Royals' bats could have enough pop to stay competitive. The clear worry for the 2024 season is pitching. It seems Kansas City has no intention of re-signing Zack Greinke as the 40-year-old starter had a 5.06 ERA last season.

The Royals' big off-season moves were signing Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha, both of whom signed deals worth at least $15 million per season. Lugo excelled with a 3.57 ERA last year, which was quite impressive as he started a career-high 26 games. He didn't have much experience as a starter before 2023; starting in 18 games during the 2017 season was the only other season in which Lugo reached double-digit starts.

Wacha comes off back-to-back seasons with ERAs of under 3.35. His 3.22 ERA last season was the best mark of his career when starting in at least 20 games. Wacha did a solid job of limiting power by ranking in the 70th percentile of average exit velocity and 75th percentile of hard-hit percentage.

With Wacha turning 33 in July and Lugo's limited experience as a starter, these signings certainly come with risks. Third-year pitcher Cole Ragans figures to be at the top of the starting rotation. He thrived after a midseason trade to KC, posting a 28.8% strikeout rate and 3.85 SIERA in 12 starts with Kansas City in 2023.

Overall, the 2024 season will likely depend on the Royals' youth movement. If Witt makes another leap like many expect and the new signings boost the staff, Kansas City could become dangerous in a weak AL Central.

Every Team's Odds to Win the World Series

• Los Angeles Dodgers (+320)
• Atlanta Braves (+450)
• Houston Astros (+700)
• New York Yankees (+800)
• Texas Rangers (+1400)
• Philadelphia Phillies (+1500)
• Baltimore Orioles (+1500)
• Minnesota Twins (+2000)
• Toronto Blue Jays (+2000)
• Seattle Mariners (+2000)
• St. Louis Cardinals (+3200)
• Tampa Bay Rays (+3300)
• Chicago Cubs (+3700)
• Arizona Diamondbacks (+4000)
• New York Mets (+5000)
• Boston Red Sox (+5000)
• Cincinnati Reds (+5500)
• San Diego Padres (+6000)
• Detroit Tigers (+6000)
• San Francisco Giants (+6500)
• Cleveland Guardians (+7500)
• Milwaukee Brewers (+8500)
• Miami Marlins (+9000)
• Kansas City Royals (+15000)
• Los Angeles Angels (+18000)
• Pittsburgh Pirates (+20000)
• Washington Nationals +25000)
• Chicago White Sox (+25000)
• Oakland Athletics (+50000)
• Colorado Rockies (+50000)

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.