Royals Roster Projection 2.0: Who Makes the 2024 Roster

The Kansas City Royals’ roster projection looks pretty different after spring training. We’re talking changes from what folks expected back in December.

This piece digs into the updated starting nine, the bench mix, the pitching staff, and how Starling Marte’s signing hints at a shift toward offense from the bench. What could that mean for depth and development this season? Let’s get into it.

Spring Training Shifts Reshape the Royals’ Roster Projection

Spring camp made it clearer how the Royals see their opening-day lineup and staff shaking out. Bobby Witt Jr. is set to lead off, thanks to his spring run and steady spot with Team USA.

Jac Caglianone lines up second, showing off better plate discipline and a more relaxed approach. The Royals brought in Starling Marte and saw some new faces pop during camp, so the bullpen and bench plans look different—Marte’s probably going to handle more offense-first duties than usual for a bench guy.

The bench now leans more toward offense, and the lineup’s been tweaked a bit. The Royals seem to be betting on their current group to keep improving, rather than loading up on defensive or speed-first backups.

Projected Starting Nine

The Royals’ projected opening-day lineup is top-heavy, built to get on base and score runs. Here’s the likely starting nine:

• Bobby Witt Jr. (SS) — leadoff, riding his spring and Team USA showings
• Jac Caglianone (RF) — hitting second, thanks to his new patience at the plate
• Maikel García (3B)
• Vinnie Pasquantino (1B)
• Salvador Pérez (C)
• Carter Jensen (DH)
• Isaac Collins (LF)
• Jonathan India (2B)
• Kyle Isbel (CF)

Notes: Witt Jr. leads off because of his spring and lineup value. Caglianone’s hot bat and new approach keep him in the two-hole.

India’s still developing at second, Isbel covers center, and Collins brings something in left field.

Bench and Reserve Roles

With Marte in the fold, the Royals see him as a bench bat who can provide offense in limited chances. Lane Thomas is also around for bench depth.

The rest of the roster is still up for grabs, with these names in the mix:

• Starling Marte — bench, veteran bat off the pine
• Lane Thomas — flexible outfield bench option
• Michael Massey — hoping for a backup spot
• Tyler Tolbert — competing for a bench role
• Nick Loftin — could fill a late-inning or platoon spot

Marte’s arrival probably means no third catcher, and it doesn’t look great for Josh Rojas making the team. That shakes up the outfield and backstop depth for 2024.

Starting Rotation and Bullpen

The Royals’ rotation blends proven arms and a couple of spring surprises. The group: Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, Kris Bubic, Michael Wacha, and Noah Cameron.

Closer Carlos Estévez anchors the bullpen, with a bunch of versatile relievers behind him. Here’s how the depth chart looks:

• Carlos Estévez — closer
• Lucas Erceg
• Matt Strahm
• John Schreiber
• Nick Mears
• Helcris Olivárez — velocity’s up, command’s sharper; he’s probably in
• Mason Black
• Bailey Falter — could be a long man or spot starter

Olívarez has been throwing harder and finding the zone more often this spring, so he’s likely to stick in the bigs. Alex Lange might start at Triple-A if he’s not quite ready for MLB work.

The front office will stash some talented relievers in the minors—Steven Cruz, James McArthur, Luinder Avila—who could come up if needed. If Falter gets traded, Daniel Lynch IV or Danny Coulombe could step in for bullpen depth.

Philosophical Shift and Outlook

Marte’s signing means more than just a roster tweak. It really signals a philosophical shift—now the Royals want a bench guy whose main value is offense, not just defense or speed.

They seem to be leaning into a more offense-first bench strategy. Some spring standouts have sparked cautious optimism about the 2024 season.

Projections are still in flux and depend a lot on how things go in spring. Still, there’s this measured confidence, with a roster mixing homegrown players and veteran depth.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Royals Roster Projection 2.0