With the Kansas City Royals climbing to first place in the AL Central, overtaking the Cleveland Guardians and aiming for their first playoff appearance since 2015, several key players are set for a standout September. Paul DeJong, Maikel Garcia, Michael Massey, and Vinnie Pasquantino have all been crucial to the team’s success this season. Their individual strengths could prove vital as the Royals strive to cement their playoff spot with the season winding down.
Paul DeJong, who joined the Royals mid-season, has quickly made his mark with his power-hitting skills. Although he’s only played 19 games with the team, DeJong has shown why the Royals pursued him, hitting 23 home runs this season and boasting an OPS+ of 107. His batting average with the Royals has notably improved compared to his season average, and his slugging percentage of .458 indicates he’s hitting his stride at a crucial time. DeJong’s experience and potential for clutch performances could be vital in close games, particularly against division rivals, and he’s familiar with postseason play. He has participated in 14 playoff games with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he has a .214 batting average and a .588 OPS.
Garcia has been a reliable force for the Royals all season. With a .239 batting average and 32 stolen bases, he contributes both speed and stability to the lineup. His knack for reaching base and generating scoring chances has been crucial to the team’s success and a key factor in their current standing. Leading the team with 82 runs scored, Garcia has proven to be a key offensive driver. At just 24 years old, he is expected to continue improving, especially as the Royals aim for the playoffs. Garcia’s speed and defensive prowess will be essential, particularly in close games where a single stolen base or defensive play could be decisive.
Pasquantino has been a key player for the Royals, leading the team with 96 RBIs and 18 home runs. His .259 batting average and .752 OPS demonstrate his consistent ability to generate runs, whether through driving in teammates or delivering crucial hits. Known to fans as Vinnie P, Pasquantino has added both stability and power to the lineup, making him one of the team’s most dependable hitters. Before his 2022 call-up, his minor league performance was outstanding, with an OPS of .931, and he maintained an impressive K/BB ratio in the majors that season, with 35 walks and 34 strikeouts. As the Royals pursue a deep playoff run, Pasquantino’s ongoing production will be vital, especially against top AL Central pitchers.
As the Royals approach September, the performances of DeJong, Garcia, Massey, and Pasquantino will be crucial in preserving their AL Central lead and securing a playoff berth. Each of these players has displayed moments of brilliance throughout the season, and their ability to step up during this crucial period could shape the Royals’ success not just for 2024, but in future seasons as well.
While the Royals’ success this season has been a collective effort, these four players have made especially notable contributions. With the regular season winding down, the pressure is on to maintain their strong performance and propel the team into October. This core group of players is poised to make significant impacts as the season wraps up, and their performances in September could not only influence their own careers but also reaffirm the Royals’ status as a strong contender in the American League.
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