Bobby Witt Jr. and the Royals go from 2 late 7-game losing streaks to the AL Division Series

“You are all perceiving this incorrectly,” Smith remarked. “The silver lining is that we cannot lose tomorrow.”

The Royals concluded the season by winning four of their last six games, securing a playoff berth just a year after equaling a franchise record with 106 losses. Following a two-game sweep of Baltimore, they are set to compete in the AL Division Series against the New York Yankees. This achievement represents a remarkable transformation from one season to the next and from one game to the next.

“Our sole focus is on the present moment,” stated first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, whose surgically repaired right thumb was protected as a precaution during the exuberant celebration in the visiting clubhouse. “We concentrate on winning each pitch, and that is the essence of this team. Whether we are on a losing streak or a winning streak, it is irrelevant. We remain committed to that next pitch. We have excelled in this approach, and we will continue to strive for it.”

AL batting champion Bobby Witt Jr., who contributed the decisive run in Games 1 and 2, emphasized the objective: “One out at a time, 27 times.”

Manager Matt Quatraro, who is also experiencing the playoffs for the first time, emphasized that his players genuinely embrace this mindset.

“They truly believe in it,” Quatraro remarked. “It is not sufficient to merely discuss it or to print it on a T-shirt or display it on a poster. One must embody it. These players do just that.”

General manager J.J. Picollo made significant efforts during the previous offseason and at the trade deadline to complement his young roster with seasoned veterans rich in playoff experience. This included the addition of Smith, a reliever with three World Series titles, as well as All-Star Seth Lugo, Yuli Gurriel, Tommy Pham, and Michael Wacha, who is a candidate to start the ALDS opener at Yankee Stadium.

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On Wednesday, leadoff hitter Michael Massey reflected on a humorous remark made by Smith last month, which served as a notable instance of how veteran players can uplift the team's spirits during challenging times.

“It was quite revealing,” Massey noted. “We had lost seven consecutive games, and there was a prevailing belief that we would miss the playoffs. Then, a player like him makes a joke about the situation.

“It highlights their experience and confidence. They have been in these situations before and have succeeded.”

Now, the Royals possess a winning playoff experience, having triumphed in a closely contested series by allowing just one run over 18 innings while scoring three times. This marks the first time Kansas City has secured a playoff series victory since they were crowned World Series champions in 2015.

“I believe this is the beginning of something remarkable,” Witt stated. “We did not come this far merely to stop here; we will continue to strive and work towards establishing our own legacy.”