KC Royals: Minor Leaguers Most Likely to Shine in 2017

RAUL MONDESI

It had been awhile since the Kansas City Royals had an opportunity to gush over a rookie, but they got that last year in Raul Mondesi Jr.

Mondesi’s plate issues, however, are likely why he’ll be sent to Omaha at the beginning of the season.

Mondesi made his debut in Game 3 of the World Series in 2015, but spent the first half of 2016 in the minor leagues. He was brought up to the majors near the end of the summer when the team was struggling.

The most exciting feature of Mondesi was his speed. The guy can flat out fly down the base paths and that will be huge for the Royals, who have always relied on speed to compete.

Mondesi’s plate issues, however, are likely why he’ll be sent to Omaha at the beginning of the season. The kid simply needs to work on improving his bat (he batted .185 last year) before he can be a true competitor in the major leagues.

Another aspect is that Alcides Escobar is playing shortstop for at least one more season and that’s Mondesi’s position of choice. He’ll definitely see a significant amount of time in Kansas City this season, but not until his bat gets a little hotter.

I predict Mondesi will be an exciting guy to watch in 2017 though. At least I hope so.