Kansas City Royals Countdown: Top 10 Individual Pitching Seasons

No. 2) Bret Saberhagen 1985

Many of you were probably expecting this to top the list. That’s understandable given the overall importance 1985 has in Kansas City Royals history. However, we felt like Saberhagen’s 1985 season—even factoring in his postseason work—falls just shy of the top spot. That’s not to say it wasn’t amazing. I mean it beats out every other season a pitcher has had in franchise history—save for one.

If this list excluded playoff performances, Saberhagen’s 1985 season would be neck-and-neck with Greinke’s 2009 campaign. But the postseason matters, thus Saberhagen pushes himself ahead.

During the regular season, the right-hander went 20-6 with a 2.87 ERA and 1.06 WHIP to earn his first Cy Young award. His WHIP and 2.89 FIP led the league, as did his incredible 4.16:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 235 1/3 innings.

His work in the World Series earned him MVP honors. He went 2-0 with a 0.50 ERA and 0.67 WHIP, while striking out 10 and walking just one.

This season might have topped the list if Saberhagen hadn’t struggled in the ALCS. He started two games against Toronto but lasted just 7 1/3 innings combined, while giving up five total runs. Saberhagen came back rejuvenated in the World Series, though. He had two complete-game victories, consisting of a Game 3 win to keep the Royals in the series and a shutout in Game 7 to bring the elusive trophy to Kansas City.

His work in the World Series earned him MVP honors. He went 2-0 with a 0.50 ERA and 0.67 WHIP, while striking out 10 and walking just one.

Saberhagen’s 1985 campaign will live long in the memories of those fortunate enough to see it. However, it wasn’t the best individual season in Royals history. In fact, it wasn’t even Saberhagen’s best season.