ESPN puts KC Royals at 24 in way too early power rankings

The KC Royals are low on the list, but they do have some good things going for them. Luckily, they may be able to climb a bit higher by 2021.

Power rankings. Some love them, some hate them. Sometimes they are right, and other times they are wrong. Though, it all comes down to a matter of opinion. For the KC Royals, it never seems the rankings are in their favor.

To be fair, the Royals are often close to the bottom, and in many seasons, that’s right on track. It’s not uncommon, though, for the Royals to see a drop after going on a winning streak, or to be put way behind teams that have much worse records. This doesn’t happen to just the Royals, but plenty of other teams as well.

Still, many fans check the power rankings weekly during the season to see who ranked which team where. Most rankings are fairly similar, while some will have a couple of differences. Typically, though, there is an argument to be had about why one’s team, in particular, should be higher.

Now that the season is over, one would think the power rankings would be done for a while. Of course, that is wrong.

ESPN recently released their way too early power rankings for the 2021 season. These obviously are done before any offseason acquisitions, so it’s likely they could change in the coming weeks, but still, that didn’t stop them.

To no surprise the L.A. Dodgers are first, followed by the Braves, then the Padres, Rays, and White Sox to make up the top 5. For Royals fans, just keep scrolling a bit, and down at number 24 the boys in blue can be found.

24 isn’t too surprising, and actually might be a bit higher than some would have thought. The Royals thankfully didn’t finish last in 2020, but there weren’t at the top either. Every team ranked ahead of them in ESPN’s rankings had the same or better record for 2020, aside from the Red Sox at 19.

ESPN does provide some context for their ranking, noting that Kansas City has plenty of young pitchers to watch, mentioning Brad Keller, Brady Singer, Kris Bubic, and Josh Staumont. They go on to say the offense is a concern, though. There are spots to fill around the field and the Royals won’t get far without finding someone who can hit the ball.

"“This ranking could be selling the Royals a bit short, as young pitching can carry a team if it comes fast (and 2020 top pick Asa Lacy may not need much time in the minors), but they need to find some hitters.” ESPN.com"

While the Royals could easily see themselves a bit higher depending on what they do during the offseason, it’s hard to argue with ESPN’s explanation.

The Royals have some work to do if they want to see themselves higher in the rankings. With the right moves over the offseason, though, rankings in the 20s could (and hopefully will) be a thing of the past.

The Royals are ranked at 24 in ESPN’s way too early power rankings for 2021.