KC Royals: What A Difference A Decade Makes

First Base

Until recently, the Royals haven’t had a consistent first basemen that could hit and play defense. They have one of the best in the game now.

2005: Matt Stairs

Since the emphasis on this article is the difference ten years can make, it’s worth pointing out that Matt Stairs was 37 during the 2005 season. That’s more than ten years older than Eric Hosmer was in 2015.

Matt Stairs was one of the brighter spots for the Royals during the 2005 season. His offense wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t really good either.

When he’s not busy tempting fate on ill-advised game-tying plays, he’s racking up the gold gloves.

Stairs hit .275 that season and 13 home runs. His ability to draw walks gave him an on-base percentage of .373 which is better than even Hosmer boasted in 2015. Matt Stairs and Eric Hosmer led their teams in free-passes in these years. Stairs had 60 while Hosmer had 61.

Again, it’s the defensive aspects of Stairs’ game that really did him a disservice. He had a -9 in the defensive runs saved category.

2015: Eric Hosmer

Eric Hosmer is already a hero in Kansas City, but he has the ability to be a superstar across the league.

Hosmer has yet to eclipse the 20 home run mark meaning he doesn’t flash the power that people typically look for in a first baseman.

What Hosmer does well is collect hits, get on base, and drive in runs. Hosmer led the team in walks in 2015 and batted .297. He also hit 18 home runs which is one short of his career high.

When he’s not busy tempting fate on ill-advised game-tying plays, he’s racking up the gold gloves. Hosmer earned his third gold glove following the 2015 season in spite of the fact that he made an error that could have cost the Royals big-time.

Hosmer may not be the current face of the franchise but his uncanny ability for coming up with big hits or plays at exactly the right moments will cement his spot in Royals’ legend for years to come.

Next: All Offense