In MLB, useful defensive stats based on range and catch probability are taking over the league and that’s excellent.
They help paint an accurate picture about how good fielders are at making certain high-difficulty plays.
However, there is also value in always making the routine play.
That should be a given for all major leaguers, but you would be surprised at how many players can’t even make routine plays at certain positions.
It’s hard to field capable defensive players on all spots of the diamond, but the Kansas City Royals have done it so far in 2024.
They have done it to such extent that no pitcher on their roster has conceded an unearned run.
“The Royals are the only team in MLB yet to allow an unearned run this season,” MLB Network tweeted.
The Royals are the only team in MLB yet to allow an unearned run this season 🔥 pic.twitter.com/I7OhNC4xsx
All runs that Royals pitchers allowed to this point have been of the earned variety.
It’s not a perfect defense, but it’s definitely a solid unit featuring some impressive glovesmen like Bobby Witt Jr., Maikel Garcia, Adam Frazier, and many more.
Defense and pitching have definitely been behind the Royals’ improvement in 2024.
They are, to this point, real contenders and their second-ranked pitching staff (by ERA, with a 2.79 mark) has been fueling the surge.
The team made a huge investment in the offseason to bring in quality pitchers like Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Chris Stratton, Will Smith, and Matt Sauer, not to mention hitters like Hunter Renfroe.
The expenditure has helped considerably, turning a perennial loser into the second-best team in the AL Central as of Friday with a 12-7 record.