The math still favors the Royals making the MLB playoffs.

With nine games left to play, they remain in possession of the second of three American League wild-card berths. But the race is getting tighter, and the Royals lug a four-game losing streak into their final home series of the season — which begins Friday against the San Francisco Giants.

In this episode of SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, beat writer Jaylon Thompson and columnist Vahe Gregorian assess the Royals’ postseason possibilities and what it will take to close the deal.

The Royals’ turnaround this season — from 106 losses a year ago to clinching a winning record in 2024 — is already an amazing accomplishment. But to fall short of a playoff spot, after being in contention for several weeks, would be a gut-punch.

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