Before spring training began, I constructed a list of five players in Omaha who I believed would rebound to have better seasons this year. For one reason or another, all of them had down seasons in 2023 compared to their career averages, and most likely compared to their expectations. I’ll reiterate what I said back then: nothing is better than a comeback story. There is something compelling and motivating that captures the heart of the audience when a player must overcome obstacles to get to where they want to go. I am happy to say that all five of these players are having bounce-back campaigns, even if there is still room to grow. Below I list the players, their 2023 numbers compared to 2024, and what may be in store for them this season and beyond.
A look at the bounce-back candidates and their improvements
Nick Pratto (1B)
2023 season stats (AAA): .180/.290/.342, .632 OPS, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 53 wRC+
2023 season stats (MLB): .232/.307/.353, .660 OPS, 7 HR, 35 RBI, 79 wRC+
2024 season stats (AAA): .244/.328/.439, .767 OPS, 14 HR, 53 RBI, 96 wRC+
Pratto has found more success at the plate this year than he did all of last year, but he still hasn’t regained his 2021 form yet. It is encouraging to see him taking some small steps forward this season, already collecting more home runs and RBIs than he did all of last year. Plus, there is still room to grow over the last couple of months of the season. Despite the overall improvement, Pratto is still leaving Royals fans yearning for more. He needs to catch fire in August and September if he wants a chance to prove himself at the big-league level this season.
Devin Mann (2B/Utility)
2023 season stats (AAA)*: .198/.354/.405, .758 OPS, 6 HR, 15 RBI, 95 wRC+
*Mann was acquired by the Royals at the 2023 trade deadline, and I am only showing his numbers in Omaha.
2024 season stats (AAA): .278/.384/.447, .832 OPS, 9 HR, 41 RBI, 118 wRC+
This version of Mann is much more in line with how he’s performed throughout most of his minor league career. He even earned International League Player of the Week back in early May. He has been a huge catalyst in the Storm Chasers’ success this season and most likely will continue to be throughout the regular and postseason. I have a hard time seeing him make a debut in Kansas City this year, as there is a plethora of infielders the Royals are already moving around the field this season. However, his performance has increased his chances of that happening in the future.
Logan Porter (C)
Porter was traded to the San Francisco Giants on June 14th for cash considerations, but his impressive stint in Omaha is worth mentioning.
2023 season stats (AAA): .232/.339/.377, .717 OPS, 13 HR, 48 RBI, 83 wRC+
2023 season stats (MLB): .194/.324/.323, .647 OPS, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 83 wRC+
2024 season stats (AAA)*: .319/.428/.575, 1.003 OPS, 6 HR, 22 RBI, 157 wRC+
*Only Omaha stats are included.
The improvement at the plate for Porter was eye-popping, not only for the Royals but apparently for the Giants, who were willing to trade for him before he likely opted out of his contract. The Royals duo of Salvador Pérez and Freddy Fermín made it difficult for Porter to get an opportunity in Kansas City. Porter has plenty of offensive talent for a catcher, and decent enough defense to earn another opportunity in the major leagues. However, he just turned 29 years old and triggered his opt-out clause with the Giants, meaning he could be a free agent soon.
Evan Sisk (RP)
2023 season stats (AAA): 61.0 IP, 6.34 ERA, 1.77 WHIP, .283 OBA, 40 BB, 62 K
2024 season stats (AAA): 34.2 IP, 1.82 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, .175 OBA, 17 BB, 48 K
The award for the most drastic improvement goes to Sisk, whose 2024 numbers are night and day compared to last season. He has been incredibly impressive out of the bullpen for Omaha, amassing a 6-0 record with 6 holds and converting 4 out of 5 save opportunities. I would be surprised if Sisk didn’t get an opportunity in the Royals’ bullpen by the end of 2025. The Royals have a plethora of left-handed relievers at the moment, so it may take longer than would be expected for him get a chance.
Will Klein (RP)
2023 season stats (AA): 29.1 IP, 3.38 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, .250 OBA, 14 BB, 44 K
2023 season stats (AAA): 35.0 IP, 5.66 ERA, 1.86 WHIP, .276 OBA, 25 BB, 49 K
2024 season stats (AAA): 34.2 IP, 3.12 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, .169 OBA, 24 BB, 33 K
2024 season stats (MLB): 5.2 IP, 6.35 ERA, 2.12 WHIP, .400 OBA, 2 BB, 6 K
Klein was pitching so well at the beginning of the season that he earned multiple opportunities in Kansas City, to mixed results. The flamethrower’s strikeout ability is undeniable, but he was hit around pretty well in his short MLB stint. The numbers in Omaha have still been a major improvement from last season, although he has struggled a bit as of late. I think the Royals see enough in Klein to give him another chance soon, but he’ll need to get back on track in Omaha first.
Image credit: Nicholas Badders/Omaha Storm Chasers