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KC Royals: Minor Leaguers Most Likely to Shine in 2017

By Leigh Oleszczak

Aug 31, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Matt Strahm (64) delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees during the thirteenth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 31, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Matt Strahm (64) delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees during the thirteenth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kansas City Royals third baseman Hunter Dozier (60) - Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
KC Royals third baseman Hunter Dozier (60) – Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

HUNTER DOZIER

Hunter Dozier should have had many opportunities to play in the majors, but the Royals’ issue (or lack thereof honestly) is that they’ve always been stacked at third base.

Dozier shone in the minors last season and showed that he can get his bat going.

Mike Moustakas has manned that third base spot for years now and when he went down in 2016, Cheslor Cuthbert stepped in with ease. Christian Colon was also able to spend time at third, which meant that Hunter Dozier being called up wasn’t an immediate need.

Dozier finally got an opportunity to play in Kansas City in September last season and slashed .211/.286/.263 in 19 at bats. He has room to improve for sure, but where would Dozier play at?

Personally, I could see Dozier spending some time at third base in 2017, especially with that open designated hitter role. Mike Moustakas will be coming off an injury and will probably get a few more days to rest at the beginning of the season. Hunter Dozier could be utilized here.

Dozier shone in the minors last season and showed that he can get his bat going. He batted .294 in Omaha before his call up the majors and had belted 15 home runs for the Storm Chasers. Dozier was ready for his major league call up and now he deserves the chance to prove himself in 2017.

I hope Hunter Dozier gets that opportunity. He could become a good, young power hitter for the KC Royals.

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