The Royals' Struggles and the Brewers' Success: A Blueprint for Turnaround
The Kansas City Royals find themselves in a familiar predicament, facing another lost season with their recent draft picks proving to be busts. This has led to a pressing question: What will it take to turn this organization around? One potential model for success can be found in the Milwaukee Brewers, a team that has consistently contended in a small market.
The Brewers' success story began with a series of bold trades and strong player development. Since 2023, their position players have accumulated 83.7 WAR, with almost three-quarters of that attributed to just seven players. One of these players, William Contreras, was acquired through a series of strategic trades. The Brewers initially obtained Esteury Ruiz as part of the Josh Hader trade, a move that might have seemed risky at the time. However, Ruiz's lack of power and limited regular playing time meant the risk was manageable.
The real breakthrough came when the Brewers inserted themselves into the Braves-A's trade for Sean Murphy and Shea Langeliers, securing a controllable Contreras from Atlanta after his breakout 2022 season. This trade was made possible by the Brewers' willingness to trade away a dominant reliever, Hader, while they were in first place and had a high chance of making the playoffs. This bold move set the stage for their subsequent success.
In contrast, the Royals' recent trade of Aroldis Chapman for Cole Ragans in 2023 might be an opportunity to sell high. Ragans, if he regains his health and production, could be a valuable trade chip for the Brewers or another contender. This trade could potentially set the Royals up for more sustained success.
The Brewers' success also lies in their ability to make bold moves, even when it means risking their playoff chances. In 2018, they acquired Christian Yelich, giving up highly-rated prospects in the process. While this move didn't yield immediate results with the prospects, it showcased the Brewers' willingness to take risks for long-term success.
The Royals, despite their struggles, might consider a similar approach. They could potentially sacrifice some of their top prospects, such as Blake Mitchell, Kendry Chourio, and another good prospect, in exchange for a controllable 4-5 WAR Major Leaguer. This move would require a significant shift in their drafting strategy, but it could be a necessary step towards a brighter future.
In conclusion, the Brewers' success serves as a blueprint for the Royals' potential turnaround. By embracing bold trades, strong player development, and a willingness to take risks, the Royals can begin to rebuild their organization and work towards sustained success. It's a challenging path, but one that could ultimately pay dividends.
