Kansas City Royals: Outfield Getting Cluttered For Royals
The Kansas City Royals had injuries build up for them during the 2016 season and a good chunk of them occurred in the outfield. What will their outfield situation look like in 2017?
Kansas City Royals fans are accustomed to not having a true right fielder on the team. It’s been an issue for several years now, but the Royals appear to have a lot of outfielders heading into the offseason.
For one, there’s Alex Gordon, who we know will man left field. Gordon is almost always a Gold Glove candidate out in left field and the only time he misses games is either due to injury or if he needs a day off for rest. Otherwise, left field is Gordo’s job.
Center field is usually Lorenzo Cain‘s position, but Cain struggled with staying healthy in 2016. Jarrod Dyson spent a fair amount of time in center last season and didn’t do too bad out there.
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Right field has always been the problem spot for the Royals.
Dyson and Paulo Orlando were supposed to be platooning in right, but with Dyson’s early season injury and then Gordon getting hurt, that made the situation pretty interesting.
The Royals traded one of their young outfielders – Brett Eibner – for another young outfielder in Billy Burns. Other than taking care of a bug, Burns didn’t have much of an impact at all in Kansas City in 2016.
Obviously Dayton Moore traded for Burns for a reason though. It wasn’t to take care of a bug either. The first and most obvious thought is that Burns is basically a younger version of Jarrod Dyson. He’s fast and can be used in pinch running situations.
Dyson could be let go this offseason, but with the Royals wanting to make one last run with this current group, it wouldn’t surprise me if Mr. Zoombiya stuck around for 2017. Burns could go to the minors and get some at bats down there.
Paulo Orlando could be another interesting offseason storyline, as he’s not a guarantee to return to the team either. Orlando will be 31 when the season begins and despite having a hot offensive 2016 season, it’s hard to imagine him being as effective in 2017.
Whit Merrifield, one of the lovable rookies last season, can also play in the outfield. I’d imagine Merrifield would be predominantly used at second base, but with Cheslor Cuthbert learning the second base position at International League this offseason, that could open up some doors too.
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This offseason probably won’t be the most exciting one for the KC Royals, as the budget just isn’t really there for them to go out and acquire any big name free agents. They’ll likely be sticking with what they have in the outfield.
The situation to watch is the one with Dyson and Burns. Burns is essentially a younger version of Jarrod Dyson, which could play into what happens this offseason.
One thing’s for sure though – the Kansas City Royals won’t need all of the outfielders that they currently have on the roster. Who makes the final cut will be a tough decision for Dayton Moore.