Saberhagen was drafted out of high school by the Kansas City Royals in the 19th round of the 1982 Major League Baseball draft and made his major league debut at the age of 19 on April 4, 1984. He made an immediate impact, compiling a 10–11 record and a 3.48 ERA. He picked up his only major league save on July 23, 1984, during the second game of a double header. He pitched 3 scoreless innings to close out a 7-2 Royals win over the Blue Jays and preserve the win for starter Frank Wills. The Royals made the postseason but lost to the Detroit Tigers in the American League Championship Series. Saberhagen pitched well in his first postseason start, giving up two runs in eight innings.