Picollo says Royals plan to be “aggressive” in acquisitions after disappointing season

The season did not go as planned, with the team stumbling to a 12-19 start by the end of April. Picollo took addressed the slow start by saying "we're responsible for the performance in April and May." He did point out the World Baseball Classic kept some Royals players away from the team during spring training, making it more difficult to build team camaraderie. And injuries made it difficult for the team to climb their way out of the hole they had dug.

"We weren't very good in April, and we weren't very good in the beginning of May. I can't sit here and tell you that I know we would have been good in June, July, August, and September, but if we had had those players on our roster and healthy and available, I think we could have made a better run."

The Royals lost key players like Maikel Garcia and Vinnie Pasquantino early in the year, in addition to having their pitching staff decimated by injuries over the summer. The Royals announced changes to their medical staff , although Picollo denied the injuries were the reason for the moves. He also contended that despite all the adversity, the team has to win.