Kansas City Royals: Cheslor Cuthbert is the Real Deal
By Charles Lam
The Kansas City Royals may have found their future third baseman this season. Cheslor Cuthbert looks like he is here to stay. Could Mike Moustakas be a trade piece?
Cheslor Cuthbert took over for Mike Moustakas (Moose) a few times in the past season and a half. Last season he came in to fill in for Moose while he dealt with family problems.
The unheralded rookie started 19 games for the Kansas City Royals in 2015. He slashed .217/.280/.370 in his first go around with the big league team. Those are far from impressive numbers, but Cuthbert made a few spectacular plays on defense which showed some of his talents.
Moose missed a lot of games this season. He’s dealt with two different injuries in 2016. He broke his thumb in early May then shortly after returning to play, he tore his ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) after he collided with Alex Gordon in Chicago in late May ending his season.
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Cuthbert’s been the guy at third base ever since. He started the season off slowly batting .253/.272/.329 at the end of May. He got better in the month of June. He slashed .269/.306/.427 at the end of June. He’s gotten even better right before the end of July slashing .297/.327/.466 as of July 22nd.
Last nights game against the Texas Rangers showed how much Cuthbert’s improved offensively. He collected two hits, two walks and scored the first run of the game. His first hit he smashed passed the first baseman down the right field line. The right-fielder misplayed the ball, Cuthbert took third base with ease.
After the double, he later added a single and two walks showing his plate discipline is getting better. The 23-year-old rookie is hitting over .300 in 83 games played this season.
The man for Nicaragua is making his county proud with 71 hits, 13 doubles and nine home runs for the Kansas City Royals. He’s also drove in 33 runs this season.
Cuthbert plays great defense at third base as well. He may have five errors on the season but he has the ability to make an outstanding play anytime. Check out the video below for evidence.
The young stud has range and a cannon of an arm. He makes those types of defensive plays look way easier than they really are. Juan Uribe should get new insurance because he got robbed of a hit on that play. Lord have mercy.
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Unbelievably, Cuthbert has a negative DRS (defensive runs saved) number (-3). He also carries a sub one UZR (ultimate zone rating) at 0.4. Apparently defensive metrics are somewhat flawed. Take a look at Eric Hosmer‘s defensive metrics to find out how badly.
The eye test tells me Cuthbert is a stud at third base. He’s got the defensive ability coupled with the talent to hit consistently on offense. He also adds power to a line up that desperately needs it. He might not have Moose like home run totals, but he hits for a better average making him more of a consistent hitter.
Mike Mousetakas might find himself on the trading block sometime soon if Cuthbert continues to improve in the big leagues. The Kansas City Royals also have a promising third baseman at Omaha. Hunter Dozier is a power hitter who might be with the big league team come this September.
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The future is bright for Kansas City at the third base position. If this team can find consistent starting pitching, the Royals could win for years to come. Here’s hoping the injury bug goes away soon and the young talent can help improve this already solid baseball team.