Royals shrink fences at Kauffman Stadium to spark offense

The Kansas City Royals will move the outfield fences inward by 10 feet at Kauffman Stadium to create a more neutral, offense-friendly environment. Center field remains at 410 feet, with the fence line shortened to 379 feet in the power alleys and gradually toward the corners, while corner distances stay at 330 feet and the fence height drops from 10 to 8.5 feet. Using wind, temperature and batted-ball data, Royals analytics aim for near-league-average run value on fly balls, projecting about 1.5 additional wins per season at home and hoping the changes fit a rising power lineup. The plan, approved by owner John Sherman after a year of study, preserves the batter's eye and seeks a fairer balance for hitters and pitchers.