KC Royals: Five Things To Watch In Spring Training 2016

Right Field Options

The KC Royals have a boatload of options to fill whatever hole was left by the departure of Alex Rios in right field. Jarrod Dyson appears set to be the Royals’ starter in right field, but anything can happen over the next 30 days.

If Jarrod Dyson under-performs in Spring Training, the Royals could lean more heavily on Paulo Orlando. They could also see time together in some sort of platoon.

They both play above average defense and flash speed on the base paths. If there is anything that can make the Royals overlook shoddy stats at the plate, it’s the quality of the glove in the field.

The Royals also have a host of options for the outfield that have never played a game in the Major Leagues.

Brett Eibner may be the most likely to make the team as a fifth outfielder. He’s been a Royals’ prospect for a few years now, but really broke out in 2015. He’s got power, speed, and plays a solid defense in the outfield. If he has a camp as strong as his last one, he may be hard to keep out of the starting lineup.

Jose Martinez is another outfielder who broke out last season. He, like Eibner, is 27 years old and has hung around the Minor Leagues for a long time. Last season he batted .382 and added 25 doubles to go along with ten home runs. He may be one of the other big threats to land the fifth outfielder spot.

Bubba Starling also seemed to join the conversation last season. After toiling away in the Minor Leagues for his first few years of professional baseball, Starling finally seemed to put it all together.

Travis Snider and Reymond Fuentes are other Minor League players that could make a play at the right field position. Both have spent time being top prospects, but both have failed to make an impact in the Major Leagues. They’ll have to show something special in Spring Training to make the team on opening day.

Next: Following Your Lead