The 1974 Kansas City Royals season was their sixth in Major League Baseball. The Royals finished fifth in the American League West at 77-85, 13 games behind the Oakland Athletics. Pitcher Steve Busby set a single-season franchise record with 22 victories. Offseason October 24, 1973: Dick Drago was traded by the Royals to the Boston Red Sox for Marty Pattin. December 7, 1973: Lou Piniella and Ken Wright were traded by the Royals to the New York Yankees for Lindy McDaniel. Baseball author Bill James called the trade the only clinker the Royals made during the 1970s. January 9, 1974: Mark Souza was drafted by the Royals in the 1st round (17th pick) of the 1974 Major League Baseball draft. Regular season Notable transactions April 30, 1974: Paul Schaal was traded by the Royals to the California Angels for Richie Scheinblum. June 5, 1974: 1974 Major League Baseball draft Willie Wilson was drafted by the Royals in the 1st round (18th pick). Scott Sanderson was drafted by the Royals in the 11th round, but did not sign. June 11, 1974: Doug Corbett was signed by the Royals as an amateur free agent. August 6, 1974: Orlando Cepeda signed as a free agent by the Royals. September 27, 1974: Orlando Cepeda was released by the Royals. Season standings Record vs. opponents Roster Player stats Batting Starters by position Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in Other batters Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in Pitching Starting pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Other pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Relief pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Farm system Notes References 1974 Kansas City Royals at Baseball Reference 1974 Kansas City Royals at Baseball Almanac Kansas City Royals seasons Kansas City Royals season Kansas City