KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – In what is considered one of the most remarkable and unexpected turnarounds in Major League Baseball history, Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro’s efforts were still not enough to secure him the 2024 American League Manager of the Year Award.
Under Quatraro’s leadership, the Royals experienced a dramatic improvement, going from a franchise-worst record of 56-106 in 2023 to an impressive 86-76 record in 2024, marking a 30-win improvement. This surge propelled the Royals back into postseason contention, as they earned an AL Wild Card spot for the first time in nine years. The achievement not only marked the Royals’ first playoff appearance since 2015 but also represented one of the best single-season turnarounds in MLB history, ranking as the sixth-largest win gain in a single season.
Despite this extraordinary feat, Quatraro fell short in the race for Manager of the Year, with the award ultimately going to Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt. Vogt, in his debut season as a manager, led the Guardians to a division title, which played a major role in his selection for the prestigious honor. Vogt’s success in his first managerial year, coming just two years after his playing career ended, earned him widespread recognition, even though Quatraro’s achievement with the Royals was equally historic.
In the voting for the Manager of the Year Award, Quatraro finished in second place, narrowly ahead of Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, who also had an impressive season, guiding the Tigers to a Wild Card berth. Quatraro garnered two first-place votes, which, although a significant accomplishment, were not enough to surpass Vogt’s division-winning performance.
The Royals’ dramatic improvement in 2024 under Quatraro’s guidance was a testament to his ability to inspire his players and manage the team through a difficult rebuilding phase. While the Royals’ season ultimately ended with a playoff berth and an exciting glimpse into the future, the Manager of the Year Award eluded Quatraro. Despite this, his leadership and the Royals’ remarkable turnaround will undoubtedly be remembered as a key highlight in the franchise’s history, setting a hopeful foundation for the seasons to come.