The Top 12 Kansas City Royals of All Time

Today we are counting down the top 9 Kansas City Royals of All Time. Active players are not eligible for this list!

12) Paul Splitorff

“Split” was a deft left-handed starter who showcased some of this team’s better finesse pitching abilities.

His 166 career victories and over 2,500 innings pitched both rank him first all-time in Royals history.

Splittorff has been part of the Royals TV broadcast team for several years and continues to contribute his expertise.

KC@MIN: Royals broadcast remembers Paul Splittorff

11) Jeff Montgomery

He is one of the greatest closers in MLB history and one of its smallest at 5’11 and 170 lbs, his accomplishments make him truly one-of-a-kind.

Monty had an outstanding club record 304 games and was the man no opponent wanted to face when the ninth inning arrived.

He was named an All-Star three times.

Jeff Montgomery records 300th save

10) Freddie Patek

Patek is widely considered the greatest shortstop in Boston Baseball Club history.

He played for the team from 1971-79 and earned three spots on All-Star teams.

Throughout his Kansas City Royals career, he stole nearly 400 bases and earned himself the title of one of baseball’s most underrated players.

The Legend of the Little Big Man – Freddie Patek

9) Mike Sweeney

He was selected to five All-Star teams and hit nearly 200 home runs in KC. In 2000, he set a club record by driving in 144 runs.

KC@DET: Sweeney hits two home runs on his birthday

8) Hal McRae

McRae was one of the first great designated hitters. He was an All-Star on three different occasions and in ’77, he led the league in doubles with 54 for the season.

A Hal McRae Highlight Video

7) Dennis Leonard

Leonard played his whole career with the team and his 144 wins. He also threw a club record of 103 complete games and 23 shutouts in 12 seasons with the team.

Senior Pro Baseball: Dennis Leonard Story

6) Amos Otis

Otis was an All-Star five different times and racked up three gold gloves. Otis had an amazing combination of speed and power.

Amos Otis Tribute – Kansas City Royals Center Fielder

5) Willie Wilson

Wilson was an excellent fielding Center-fielder and was the best base stealer in Royals history compiling 612 during his career.

Willie Wilson Highlights!

4) Dan Quisenberry

Quiz was the best closer in Royals history and he compiled 238 saves(second in team history) and a 2.55 ERA(first in team history). Quiz on many occasions entered the game in the seventh inning and would finish the game out.

Dan Quisenberry – Kansas City Royals – Ace Reliever

3) Frank White

White is one of the most underrated second basemen in MLB history. White won eight gold gloves in his KC career and was maybe the best defensive player in Royals history. White also played in five All-Star games and is second all-time in Royals history with 2,006 hits.

100 Years, 100 Stories: Frank White

2) Brett Saberhagen

Saberhagen won two Cy Young Awards with the Royals, one in 1985 and the other in 1989. He was the main reason why the Royals won the 1985 World Series and he is the best Starting Pitcher in Royals history.

Bret Saberhagen 1985 World Series Tribute on KC Royals Legend Night

1) George Brett

Brett is not only the greatest Royal of all time but also one of the greatest third basemen ever. Brett compiled over 3,000 hits, over 300 home runs, and hit over .300 in his career, and he also added over 200 stolen bases as well. Brett was also selected to 13 All-Star games and won an MVP and gold glove for his efforts.

FOREVER ROYAL GEORGE BRETT: The Man, The Myth, The Legend

Honorable Mentions

Kevin Appier

Mark Gubicza

Larry Gura

Al Fitzmorris

Charlie Leibrandt

Steve Busby

Carlos Beltran

Zach Greinke