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Kansas City Royals: What Went Right in 2016

By Leigh Oleszczak

Apr 21, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals players Alex Gordon (4), Kendrys Morales (25), Jarrod Dyson (1) and Danny Duffy (41) celebrate after beating the Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals players Alex Gordon (4), Kendrys Morales (25), Jarrod Dyson (1) and Danny Duffy (41) celebrate after beating the Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kansas City Royals designated hitter Kendrys Morales (25) - Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Royals designated hitter Kendrys Morales (25) – Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Morales playing long ball… a lot

For 16 years, the Kansas City Royals did not see a player hit 30 home runs or more in a season. The last time it happened was in 2000 with Jermaine Dye. I was nine years old back then and I’m now 25 years old, turning 26 next month.

So yeah… A lot has changed since the Royals last had a 30 home run hitter, but Kendrys Morales changed that stat in 2016.

He hit 30 home runs exactly, which was a welcomed sight after the designated hitter had struggled earlier on in the season.

The Royals aren’t known for their power. They’re known for getting on base and keeping the line moving.

Morales, however, made other teams a little more weary of a potential long ball any time he stepped up to the plate. He was a dangerous switch hitting designated hitter for the club and while I don’t see the Royals bringing him back in 2016, I sure wish they would.

The Royals might experience with a rotating designated hitter in 2017 and it won’t be the same without Kendrys Morales on board. The guy had a great two years in Kansas City and we won’t forget what he added to this team.

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