Kansas City Royals: How Long Should Leash be for Brandon Moss

The 2017 season has not gone according to plan for the Kansas City Royals thus far. That is an understatement for Brandon Moss as the term ‘nightmare’ is more appropriate for the Royals’ designated hitter.

.043.

In the world of Major League Baseball batting averages, that is not what anyone wants to see. Unfortunately for Brandon Moss and the Kansas City Royals .043 is a reality.

Brandon Moss, brought in to replace Kendrys Morales in the offseason, certainly hasn’t started off the season on fire. In 23 at-bats in 2017, the 33-year-old has recorded exactly one hit. Even though that one hit was a home run, Moss has not yet lived up to the lofty expectations set by fans.

While it’s not time for Moss to be replaced, Royals fans are likely wondering how long their designated hitter will get to turn things around before making a change.

Will Ned Yost Honestly Make a Change?

True Kansas City Royals fans should know that the odds of Moss begin replaced quickly are slim-to-none. Over his  tenure as Royals manager, Ned Yost has shown remarkable loyalty to his players. Per ESPN, it’s the same mindset Yost’s mentor, Bobby Cox, followed when managing the Braves.

"“(Cox) used to have this policy: If he was convinced a guy needed to be demoted or benched, he’d wait a week before he’d do anything. By then, often the player had broken out of his slump, and if he hadn’t, at least Cox didn’t have any regrets.”"

If there was ever a word to describe Ned Yost, rash is not it. Matt Strahm withstanding, Yost is not one to immediately make a change for the sake of making a change. Per Jeffrey Flanagan at Royals.com, Yost has made it clear that his DH will receive ample time to pull out of his slump.

"“It’ll come for him,” manager Ned Yost said. “I’m not worried. Adjusting back to the American League, adjusting to a new team, it takes time. He’s a veteran. He’ll be fine.”More from KC KingdomWin $650 GUARANTEED Plus $100 Off NFL Sunday Ticket With Caesars, FanDuel and DraftKings Kansas Promos!This Plus-Money Bobby Witt Jr. Prop Bet is on Fire (Hit in 15/21 Games)!How to Bet on the Chiefs vs. Cardinals in NFL Preseason Week 2The Royals Need to Extend Bobby Witt Jr. ImmediatelyThe 3 Most Intriguing Games on the Chiefs’ Schedule"

When Should the Royals Replace Moss?

Truthfully, giving Moss time to turn things around is the right move for the Royals. There is still plenty of time for Moss to approach his career averages of 25 home runs and .250 at the plate.

The KC Royals signed Moss to a two-year contract worth $12 million this offseason. While that’s not an obscene amount of money, the truth is that the Royals don’t want this to fail either.

Throughout his career, Moss has been regarded as a slow starter. He is your prototypical DH, swinging hard for the fences, but striking out a lot in doing so. Striking out a lot describes Moss as he currently is striking out 44% of the time.

The only bright spot thus far in Moss’ 2017 campaign is that Moss ranks top 12 among all hitters in walk rate. However, that will decrease if Moss doesn’t begin hitting as pitchers will be more apt to test the DH.

Taking all of this into account, Moss is not the sole reason for the Royals’ woes. The entire team is down right now at the plate. If Moss doesn’t see significant improvement next week, however, the time will have come for Ned Yost to make a change.

After all, 2017 is too important to the Kansas City Royals and their fans to be out of contention before May.