KC Royals: Minor Leaguers Most Likely to Shine in 2017

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Mar 7, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Kyle Zimmer (45) before a spring training game against the Oakland Athletics at HoHoKam Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

KC Royals pitcher Kyle Zimmer (45) – Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s important for baseball teams to get some talent out of their minor league system. The Royals traded some vital pieces away for rentals during their World Series run and now they have to rely on some other guys to step up and get things done.

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A lot of these guys on this list might not have been “out there” choices, but they’re the likeliest of candidates to make an impact for this team in 2017.

Kyle Zimmer is definitely a stretch, but I’d love to see him finally get healthy and be a starter in the Royals rotation.

The rest of the guys, however, could be big time players for Kansas City in 2017. I can’t wait to see how Matt Strahm and Raul Mondesi Jr. develop, as they’re the young pieces on this team. The future very well could depend on how they shape up this season.

Jake Junis is a wildcard pick, but I do like that he has starting experience in the minors. Most of the time we see the younger guys thrown into the bullpen to start off, and that’s to be expected with Junis as well.

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Lastly, there’s Hunter Dozier, who will hopefully get a chance to show his worth this season. He was a slugger in AAA and if the Royals give him a chance, maybe he can get that going in Kansas City and be their next major home run hitter.

What do you think of the Royals minor leaguers heading into 2017? Will the guys I listed make an impact or did I leave someone notable off?

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