All-time best KC Royals starting lineup based on WAR

In the heartland of America, the Kansas City Royals have woven tales that resonate beyond the confines of Kauffman Stadium. From the euphoria of championship parades to the bleakest records, every chapter adds to the narrative of Royals baseball.

Let's settle the debate: what would the all-time KC Royals lineup be?

Every fan has their cherished memories and personal favorites. Whether it's reminiscing about George Brett's iconic moments or the excitement of discovering a new rookie sensation, the bonds between the Royals faithful and their team run deep. And while discussions about baseball's all-time greats are as old as the game itself, there's something uniquely captivating about envisioning the ultimate Royals lineup, bridging eras, and celebrating legends.

The beauty of baseball lies in its stories, and the Royals have a treasure trove. From players who've become household names to those who quietly made their mark, each has contributed to the mosaic of Royals' history. Appreciating each player can be hard, depending on the era or forgetfulness due to a poor team. This is where wins above replacement (WAR) comes in.

WAR measures a player's contribution by assigning a numerical value representing potential wins added to a team. Additionally, with its positional adjustment, WAR effectively evaluates players across various defensive roles, making it ideal for comparing individuals across positions.

As the offseason drags on, I was curious what an all-time Royals lineup would look like, but fWAR provides a solid tool to decide some close calls. If we look at primarily fWAR, what would that lineup look like?

Batting first for the KC Royals: LF Alex Gordon

From his debut in 2007 to his final game in 2020, Alex Gordon's journey with the Royals was one of dedication, evolution, and unmatched loyalty. A Nebraska native, Gordon was a local sensation who seamlessly transitioned from college stardom to becoming a cornerstone of the Royals' resurgence.

Gordon's defensive prowess was evident after making the transition to left field. With a blend of speed, instinct, and his ability to read the game, he earned eight Gold Gloves and two Platinum Gloves, solidifying his place as one of his era's premier outfielders. His diving catches, wall-climbing grabs, and rocket throws became legendary. He led the AL in outfield assists twice, recording 102 in his career. His .994 fielding percentage is not perfect, but still ranks 13th all-time.

But Gordon wasn't just a defensive stalwart; he evolved into a reliable offensive force. As a key figure in the Royals' back-to-back World Series appearances in 2014 and 2015, his veteran presence steadied the lineup as well. He hit 190 home runs with 749 RBI across his 14-year career, which included three All-Star selections from 2013 to 2015.

Off the field, Gordon's impact was profound. Renowned for his community work and philanthropy, he epitomized the values of leadership, humility, and giving back. His connection with fans, characterized by countless standing ovations at Kauffman Stadium, showcased the mutual respect and admiration between player and city.

Gordon's 32.0 fWAR is tied for fourth in franchise history and is the most accumulated this century. He was certainly the bridge from poor Royals baseball in the 2000s to better days, and back again before his retirement.

Batting second for the KC Royals: CF Willie Wilson

From his debut in 1976 to his final game with the Kansas City Royals, Willie Wilson showcased a unique blend of athleticism and passion that left an indelible mark on the franchise. The New Jersey native's journey with the Royals was nothing short of spectacular.

On the basepaths, Wilson was unparalleled. His 79 successful steals out of 89 attempts in a single season stand as a testament to his base-stealing prowess. With a career total of 668 stolen bases, he ranks 12th all-time, a testament to his speed and baserunning acumen.

In 1980, Wilson's prowess at the plate reached its zenith. He clinched the batting title with a stellar .332 average, leading the American League in runs (133), hits (230), and triples (15). This remarkable season not only solidified his place among baseball's elite but also highlighted his versatility as a player.

Accolades poured in for Wilson that year. Voters recognized his defensive ability with a Gold Glove Award, while his offensive contributions earned him a Silver Slugger Award. He also achieved his best finish in the AL MVP voting, securing the fourth spot. Such accolades only further underscored his impact on the Royals in the 1980s.

In 2000, the Royals rightfully honored Wilson's contributions by inducting him into their Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to a player whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of the Royals' history. His 35.2 fWAR ranks third-most in the franchise's history, buoyed by his defensive value and baserunning ability.

Batting third for the KC Royals: 3B George Brett

Any all-time Royals list is incomplete about the man, George Brett himself. From his debut in 1973 until his retirement in 1993, Brett embodied the spirit, passion, and excellence of the game.

Brett's prowess at the plate was evident from the start. With a distinctive left-handed swing, he became a perennial All-Star and a three-time batting champion. His remarkable .390 batting average in 1980 remains a testament to his hitting genius.

But beyond statistics, Brett's intensity, grit, and love for the game endeared him to fans and peers alike. Who can forget his dramatic home run in Game 3 of the ALCS against the Blue Jays or his fiery competitiveness throughout that championship series?

Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999 with one of the highest voting percentages in history, George Brett's impact goes beyond accolades. The 1980 AL MVP was named to 13 consecutive All-Star games with two batting titles in that span. His third batting title came in 1990 at the age of 37, showing how timeless Brett's plate approach and production were. He is also one of only five players in MLB history to accumulate 3,000 hits, 300 home runs, and a career .300 batting average.

His 84.6 fWAR is more than double that of second-place Amos Otis, showing both how great Brett was and how the Royals franchise lacks a long line of stars. Brett batted third simply because that is what he did. He had 1,907 games with 8,325 plate appearances in the slot, a career .879 OPS, and 250 home runs.

Batting fourth for the KC Royals: DH Hal McRae

With his skill as both a great player and a respected manager, Hal McRae is an ideal instance of baseball success. His journey, marked by accolades and milestones, is a testament to his unparalleled skill and dedication to the game. Recognized as an All-Star thrice, McRae's prowess was evident in the years 1975, 1976, and notably in 1982. That year, not only did he earn an All-Star nod, but he also clinched the American League's Silver Slugger Award as a designated hitter.

Recognized as an All-Star thrice, McRae's prowess was evident in the years 1975, 1976, and notably in 1982. That year, not only did he earn an All-Star nod, but he also clinched the American League's Silver Slugger Award as the designated hitter, a position he redefined with his mastery.

It was amazing to see how good McRae was at offense. He was a balanced player at the plate, and in 1976 he led the AL in on-base percentage and OPS. In 1977 and 1982, he won the AL doubles title to boot. His 133 RBI in 1982 was both a career-high and the only time he surpassed 100, while also leading the AL that year.

Beyond the diamond, McRae's accolades resonate in the hallowed halls of multiple Halls of Fame. From the Kansas City Royals and Florida A&M to the broader recognition in the Florida and Missouri Sports Halls of Fame, his impact is celebrated across regions.

Closing his chapter with a .290 batting average, 191 home runs, 1097 RBI, and an array of other impressive stats, McRae's legacy is etched in the annals of baseball history. His 27.6 fWAR ranks sixth in Royals franchise history, solely powered by his production at the plate.

Batting fifth for the KC Royals: 1B John Mayberry

John Mayberry carved an indelible legacy with the Royals, becoming a cornerstone of the franchise in its earliest years. His ability at the plate earned him two All-Star selections in 1973 and 1974. Such was his impact during these seasons that he received significant MVP consideration, finishing 12th and 7th respectively. In 1975, his stellar performance culminated in a close second-place finish in the MVP race.

Mayberry's offensive achievements were nothing short of remarkable. He was the first Royal to reach the coveted 100 RBI mark, accomplishing this feat three times. His keen eye at the plate was evident as he led the American League in walks in 1973 and 1975, boasting an impressive .417 on-base percentage in the former year. His knack for power was evident in his four seasons with more than 25 home runs and three with 100 RBIs. His peak in Kansas City came in 1975, setting career highs in doubles, home runs, runs scored, and RBIs.

Setting franchise records became second nature to Mayberry. His 34 home runs in 1975 remained unmatched for years. Such contributions merited his induction into the Royals Hall of Fame in 1996. Over his six-year tenure with the Royals, he boasted a .261 batting average, complemented by 24 home runs and 92 RBIs annually. Across his illustrious 15-season career, he accumulated a .253 batting average, 255 home runs, and 879 RBIs.

Beyond his offensive prowess, Mayberry showcased defensive excellence. Leading the league in putouts and double plays as a first baseman underscored his versatility and reliability. He also boasted a stellar fielding percentage, topping the league thrice. Accolades such as the AL Player of the Week and Month further accentuated his 15-year career. It is wild to think that he racked up 21.8 fWAR in only six seasons in Kansas City, with a third of it coming in his stellar 1975 season.

Batting sixth for the KC Royals: C Mike Sweeney

Mike Sweeney's journey with the Royals stands as a testament to dedication, skill, and a profound impact on the franchise. Born on July 22, 1973, in Orange, California, Sweeney's baseball odyssey began with his MLB debut for the Royals on September 14, 1995.

His prowess at the plate was evident early on. Sweeney consistently showcased his hitting prowess, amassing a stellar career batting average of .297. His first major league home run, a memorable moment for any player, came off the arm of Jamie Moyer on August 12, 1996.

Sweeney's excellence was repeatedly acknowledged with five All-Star selections spanning from 2000 to 2005. Among these accolades, his performance in June 2001 stands out prominently. That month, he boasted an awe-inspiring .392 batting average, coupled with 11 home runs and 29 RBIs, leading to a deserved recognition as the American League Player of the Month.

Beyond individual accolades, Sweeney's impact on the Royals was profound. His 215 career home runs and 909 RBIs underscored his ability to drive in runs consistently and showcased his power at the plate. Fans are quick to forget Sweeney was the third team captain in Royals history, holding the title from 2003 to 2007. Such contributions to the franchise's legacy culminated in his induction into the Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame on August 15, 2015, a fitting tribute to a player who left an indelible mark on the team and its fans.

Slotting Sweeney in at catcher is not without reproach, as he transitioned to first base early in his MLB career. However, considering the lack of quality options in Kansas City's history with Sweeney playing more than 200 games at catcher, it seems valid for this exercise. He does have 20.1 fWAR, a sizeable margin ahead of current Royals captain Salvador Perez.

Batting eighth for the KC Royals: 2B Frank White

For 18 illustrious years, from 1973 to 1990, Frank White donned the Royals uniform, showcasing a commitment that is increasingly rare in modern sports. At the heart of the diamond, White's mastery at second base was unparalleled, earning him a staggering eight Gold Glove Awards—a record for the Royals. His defensive ballet was further accentuated by an impressive fielding percentage of .984, making him a stalwart presence in the infield.

Beyond his defensive wizardry, White's offensive contributions were equally impactful. With a career batting average of .255, he amassed 2,006 hits, 160 home runs, and 886 RBIs. Notably, he achieved the rare feat of hitting for the cycle twice, on Sept. 26, 1979, and Aug. 3, 1982.

White's prowess was not just confined to individual milestones. His leadership qualities were evident when he, alongside Brett, was named the first team captain in Royals history in 1989. This leadership was complemented by accolades, including the Most Valuable Player Award in the 1980 American League Championship Series and being crowned the Royals Player of the Year twice.

The pinnacle of White's career came in 1985 when he played a pivotal role in the Kansas City Royals' World Series triumph. His contributions were invaluable, cementing his status as a legend in Royals folklore.

Such was his impact that the Royals immortalized White's legacy in multiple ways. They retired his No. 20 jersey in 1995 and welcomed him into their Hall of Fame in the same year. Additionally, a bronze statue of White stands majestically at Kauffman Stadium, ensuring that his legacy remains indelible for generations to come. His 31.1 fWAR stands among the Royals' best, ranking fifth in franchise history.

Batting ninth for the KC Royals: SS Freddie Patek

Freddie Patek, affectionately known as "The Flea," carved out a commendable baseball career, prominently in Kansas City. His professional journey commenced with the Columbus Jets in 1967, where he showcased his swift prowess by topping the International League in stolen bases with an impressive 42. His MLB debut followed on June 3, 1968, with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

However, it was with the Royals that Patek truly left his mark. Traded to the Royals, he emerged as a linchpin during the team's golden era in the 1970s and 1980s. His contributions were duly recognized when he was inducted into the Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame in 1992.

Offensively, Patek displayed his versatility. In 1971, he boasted a career-best batting average of .267, leading the AL in triples and ranking second in stolen bases. He further showcased his base-running acumen by leading the American League in stolen bases in 1977 and registering two seasons with 50 or more stolen bases. By the end of his career, Patek amassed a .242 batting average, tallying 1,036 hits, 41 home runs, and 490 RBIs.

He was a three-time AL All-Star, making appearances in 1972, 1976, and 1978. He also topped the AL in triples and stolen bases in separate seasons. Furthermore, Patek's defensive aptitude was highly regarded. Renowned for his agility, especially on artificial turf, he solidified his reputation as one of the premier shortstops of his time. His defensive contributions were further highlighted by leading the AL in double plays turned by a shortstop for four consecutive years from 1971 to 1974.

Patek's 17.0 fWAR ranks the lowest in this lineup, sitting 13th in Royals history. Hopefully, in the coming years, Royals fans will have another shortstop to choose from as the franchise's best.