First, my enduring memory.
I found myself alongside my wife, nestled in the right field stands near the Kansas City Royals’ bullpen, watching what would unfold as the Royals’ last battle of the 2024 season against the formidable New York Yankees in the American League Division Series (ALDS). The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as each play brought us closer to the season’s conclusion.
Earlier in this high-stakes game, a heated confrontation erupted near second base, involving a Royals baserunner and multiple Yankees fielders. In a flurry of adrenaline, benches cleared in a show of team solidarity, and, as expected, bullpens emptied. Charging into the melee from right field was No. 51, Brady Singer, embodying the intensity of the moment.
Although this appearance did not officially count in the scorebook, it marked only the second time fans had the opportunity to see Singer compete in the postseason, following his brief but impactful stint in the team’s Game Three loss, where he struck out a batter. One couldn’t help but ponder—could this potentially be the final chapter in Singer’s career donning a Royals jersey?
The 2024 season was a significant one for Singer, as it represented the fifth consecutive year in which he made a minimum of 12 starts. This season proved particularly fruitful for him, with a career-high 32 starts, totaling just under 180 innings pitched while achieving a personal best in strikeouts with 170. He concluded the season with a record of 9-13, a 3.71 ERA, an impressive 114 ERA+, a 3.94 FIP, and 1.275 WHIP, which equated to a respectable 3.1 WAR according to baseball-reference and 2.5 WAR according to Fangraphs.
In a year when the Royals boasted a robust and healthy starting rotation, Singer emerged as the most seasoned member of the staff. Cole Ragans joined the team in 2023, while Alec Marsh made his debut that season, and veterans Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha were brought in from San Diego before the new season commenced. Throughout the season, Singer effectively positioned himself behind Ragans, Lugo, and Wacha, delivering consistent performances.
By bWAR calculations, he ranked fourth among them, trailing behind Lugo’s impressive 5.3, Ragans’ 4.9, and Wacha’s 3.5, showcasing his reliable contributions.
He finished tied for second on the team in starts and third in innings pitched, strikeouts, and strikeouts per nine innings, demonstrating his capacity to contribute heavily—as significant as he had in any other year of his career apart from 2022.
However, there lies a crucial concern regarding Singer: as the season progressed, he appeared to falter—most notably as he approached the highest workload of his career.
In his last ten starts, the Royals limped to a disheartening 1-9 record, with Singer personally suffering a lamentable 1-7. During these starts, he managed to exceed five innings only six times, despite his prior consistency. This challenging stretch saw him surrender nine home runs, a sharp contrast to the 13 he permitted across his other 22 starts.
Before taking the mound on August 5, he held a commendable 2.88 ERA with a 3.74 FIP, reflecting a solid performance during the early portion of the season.
After his last start of the season concluded, his numbers shifted to a 3.71 ERA and a 3.94 FIP, highlighting the noticeable decline.
Once again, he made just one appearance in the postseason, solely facing one batter. Had the Royals advanced to the ALCS, manager Matt Quatraro indicated he would have been slated to start a game, yet it was telling that he was present in the bullpen throughout the entire series against both the Orioles and Yankees, only being called upon once.
This alone might encapsulate everything that needs to be said about his season.
My Grade: C+
Poll
What grade would you give Brady Singer’s 2024 season?
What were the key factors that influenced Brady Singer’s performance throughout the 2024 season?
**Interview with Sports Analyst, Jamie Reynolds, on Brady Singer and the Royals’ Season Finale**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Jamie. Reflecting on the Kansas City Royals’ last game of the 2024 season, how would you describe the atmosphere among the fans at the ballpark?
**Jamie Reynolds:** The atmosphere was electric, without a doubt. Fans were on the edge of their seats, fully invested in what felt like the culmination of a long, challenging season. The anticipation was palpable, especially with the Royals facing off against a formidable opponent like the New York Yankees in the ALDS. It had that special playoff energy where every pitch and play mattered.
**Editor:** The confrontation near second base certainly stirred up emotions. What do you think that moment represented for both the players and the fans?
**Jamie Reynolds:** That incident was a hallmark of playoff baseball—intense, passionate, and sometimes chaotic. For the players, it symbolized a fierce loyalty to the team. The sight of Brady Singer charging in from the bullpen encapsulated that spirit. Even though it didn’t affect the official score, it showed the camaraderie and determination within the team. Fans love to see that fight; it reinforces their belief in the team’s heart and tenacity.
**Editor:** Brady Singer has had a fascinating season, making a significant impact despite the team’s complexities. Considering his career performance this year, how do you think he ranks among the Royals’ pitching staff?
**Jamie Reynolds:** Singer had a standout year, particularly in terms of durability and consistency. He became the most experienced pitcher in the rotation, with his 32 starts highlighting his reliability. While he may not have the gaudy stats of some of his peers, his ability to show up and deliver when needed was crucial. Ranking fourth in bWAR among the starting rotation shows he was an essential part of the team’s success, providing solid value even if he didn’t lead in flashy numbers.
**Editor:** With speculation regarding his future with the Royals, do you think the 2024 season might have been a pivotal point in Singer’s career?
**Jamie Reynolds:** Absolutely. The offseason will be critical for him. Given that this was only his second postseason appearance, there are questions about his legacy with the team. Fans and front office alike will be looking to see if he can develop further and cement his place in Royals history. It’s an important transitional period for him, and how he approaches this offseason could define not only his future with the Royals but also his career trajectory as a whole.
**Editor:** Lastly, what’s your take on the Royals’ future overall after this season?
**Jamie Reynolds:** The Royals are entering an interesting phase. With a solid rotation and young talent emerging, there’s potential for growth. However, it will depend on how they can harness that energy and talent moving into the next season. If they can build on their successes and learn from their setbacks, they might just be competitive sooner than we think. It’s all about finding that right balance between their established players and the younger generation stepping up.
**Editor:** Thank you, Jamie, for your insights. It will certainly be interesting to see how the Royals navigate the offseason and the future chapters of their story.