3 KC Royals who've already won a roster spot next year thanks to their September

INF Nick Loftin

I get excited whenever I see Nick Loftin in the Royals lineup. I am a fan and happy that the Royals promoted the utilityman to the 26-man roster before this season ended. The 32nd overall pick from the 2020 MLB Draft has proven to be valuable to the Royals, no matter where he hits or fields.

Loftin came bursting onto the scene after his September promotion, tallying the second-most hits in five games for a Royals player starting their career. Much like Paulo Orlando started his career with triples upon triples in 2015, Loftin had a penchance for reaching second base. His three doubles through his first five games also tie for the second-most in Royals history, only trailing Tim Spehr.

While Loftin has cooled off some, he is still having a very strong debut. His .420 on-base percentage through his first 14 games was the second-highest among any Royals player in the same span. His five doubles tie Vinnie Pasquantino for the team lead in that span, while Loftin ranks in the top two in hits, RBIs, batting average, and more. He has made MLB hitting look easy at times and has served Kansas City well in the batting order's bottom half.

Loftin's best calling card is his ability to play all over the field. In fact, he played four different positions in his first three games. He has multiple appearances at first, second, and third base under his belt while helping off the bench as a pinch hitter (1 hit, 1 RBI as a pinch hitter this season). He has no errors and a perfect fielding percentage at all three bases so far, showing little difficulty transitioning from one to another. Baseball Savant gives him -1 outs above average (OAA) at both first and second base while posting a positive 1 OAA at third.

The 2024 Royals already have a starter at all three of Loftin's defensive positions, assuming Pasquantino returns healthy. But they do not have a clear backup at all three. Loftin could be the next man up at any base while having value as a platoon designated hitter or pinch hitter. Loftin's bat is solid, and the glove is palatable for a spot starter. He may not be a star, but Loftin will provide valuable depth for the 2024 Royals.

RHP James McArthur

James McArthur's first MLB appearance went about as horribly as one could have imagined. A common approach to life is not focusing on your lows but on how you respond to them. Royals fans should look at McArthur's response to his June 28 because he has been one of the team's best relievers since.

McArthur left a terrible first impression on Royals fans. He allowed seven earned runs on six hits in his MLB debut. The Royals traded for McArthur earlier this season, and trading for a player who gave that performance rightfully riled up fans. It would be more than a month between his MLB appearances, and McArthur came back with a vengeance.

Since Aug. 6, McArthur has looked like a dominant reliever. He has only allowed five earned runs in 18 1/3 innings of work. He effectively limits base runners, allowing 11 hits and only one walk in that span. His lone walk, plus 17 strikeouts, makes for an impressive 2.44 fielder independent pitching (FIP) and 2.45 ERA. His FIP has led the Royals pitching corps since Aug. 1, even Cole Ragans' 2.48 FIP.

McArthur does not look like the rattled rookie from three months ago. He is a plus player, as evident by a bullpen-leading .5 wins above replacement since Aug. 1. He recorded his first MLB win on Sept. 16 against the Houston Astros, tallying his first career save two days later against the Cleveland Guardians. McArthur is helping the Royals with their pitching efforts, whether it be as an opener, setup man, or closer. The Royals look smart now, trading for McArthur. The 2024 bullpen can certainly use McArthur, especially as the team looks for a new closer.