Royals Rumors: Jarrod Dyson Could Start In 2016

Royals rumors have it that general manager Dayton Moore said in an interview that outfielder Jarrod Dyson could be given one of the starting corner outfielder spots for 2016.

Jarrod Dyson was one of the five different outfielders that the Kansas City Royals consistently used during the postseason last year. Dyson was used mostly as a pinch runner, but also was utilized at times for his fielding ability in the outfield.

Dyson has proven to be one of the fastest players in the league and could get close to breaking records on the base paths if he got the starting nod in 2016. He has already had 146 stolen bases in his career even though he has yet to be the opening day starter for the Royals, the only major league team he has been with.

"“We think it’s time for Dyson to get an opportunity to play a lot more,” Royals General Manager Dayton Moore said at winter meetings (according to kansascity.com). I think he’s capable of stealing 50-plus bases a year and scoring a bunch of runs. When he’s on base, we score runs.”"

Given the current roster construction, Dyson would serve as an every-day starter, with the blooming Paulo Orlando receiving at-bats against left-handed pitchers in late-game situations.

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The move would help the Royals out defensively, as Dyson is too fast to not be a good-to-great defender, and it would also save them a solid chunk of change, as Dyson will only be making around $1.7 million next year (according to sportrac.com).

In comparison, Alex Gordon is currently looking for a contract that will make him in the $16-$20 million range in free agency this offseason, and replacing him with Dyson could potentially save over $14 million.

While Gordon is obviously the better player as of now, does he really bring to the plate (pun intended) $14 million more of worth than Dyson does?

I would say probably not.

Dyson has averaged 32 stolen bases per season since 2012, and he possesses a career .320 on-base percentage, which Moore believes could improve as Dyson gains experience at the plate. He also will likely be able to improve his skills bunting the baseball, which could give him a chance to irk out some infield hits.

Jarrod Dyson is an intriguing player, and giving him the start once the 2016 season rolls around wouldn’t be the worst decision in my opinion.

He is still developing and given the chance, I think he could turn into one of the most prolific base-stealers in all the MLB.

His hitting will have to improve, though, because until it does, I don’t see him being above the bottom two spots in the Royals’ batting order.

What do you think? Should Jarrod Dyson be in the starting lineup next season? Is his bat consistent enough for a starting MLB outfielder? Let me know what you think in the comments section below!

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