Photo: Scott Grau/Icon Sportswire

Part of a series of articles previewing the defensive performance of all 30 MLB teams by asking the question … are they good? To see the full series, click here.

2024 Defensive Runs Saved Rank: 7th

Team Strengths

Freddy Fermin is one of the best defensive catchers in baseball. He finished third at the position in Defensive Runs Saved despite ranking 31st in innings caught. His strengths were stopping basestealing and also pitch blocking. Royals pitchers had a 3.41 ERA when he caught, 4.06 when Salvador Perez caught.

The Royals also had the No. 1 pitching staff in Runs Saved in 2024, a testament to limiting baserunning and having good athletes who could make plays.

Kyle Isbel is in the starting lineup for his defense. He did dip from 13 Runs Saved in 2023 to 5 in 2024 but he’s still a solid defender.

Bobby Witt Jr. has turned things around in a big way. Runs Saved isn’t as high on him as other metrics, but he’s gone from -18 Runs Saved as a rookie shortstop in 2022 to 2 Runs Saved last season. He’s headed in a good direction.

Team Weaknesses

MJ Melendez’ played every day in left field last season as the Royals looked for a position that he could handle. It likely isn’t this one. He totaled -7 Runs Saved there last season.

Perez improved his longstanding pitch framing weakness but he doesn’t throw out runners anywhere near the level of Fermin and finished with a negative Runs Saved total at catcher for the 4th straight year. He’s still likely to get most of the time at catcher but his best days may be behind him.

Other things to consider

The Royals had a combined 6 Runs Saved at second base last season, but most of that came from Adam Frazier, who signed with the Pirates. FanGraphs currently lists Michael Massey as the starter. He totaled 0 Runs Saved at second in 2024. 

Jonathan India is currently listed as the main DH and for good reason. Over the last three seasons, he’s totaled -32 Runs Saved at second base, the second-worst total of anyone at the position.

Are the Royals a good defensive team?

Yes, particularly up the middle if Ferman is catching, pitchers included.