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Kansas City Royals: Jorge Bonifacio becoming staple in lineup

By Leigh Oleszczak

May 23, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Jorge Bonifacio (38) hits a two run home run against the New York Yankees during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Jorge Bonifacio (38) hits a two run home run against the New York Yankees during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Kansas City Royals called Jorge Bonifacio up to the major leagues a month ago and he’s still wowing critics in his first month as a MLB player. He’s arguably one of the best players on the entire team.

Jorge Bonifacio is hitting baseballs and taking names during his first month of MLB action. The 23-year old (soon to be 24 in June) outfielder has been one of the most impressive players on the Kansas City Royals roster to this point of the season.

Prior to Wednesday’s game against the Yankees, Bonifacio was slashing .267/.326/.488 in 27 games and 86 at bats with six home runs and 13 RBI. The rookie has been dominant and very well could make a case as to being one of the best rookies in Royals history.

The Royals do have a bit of a crowded outfield, but don’t expect that to continue. If the team doesn’t start winning in these next two months, Lorenzo Cain will likely be traded. That move could end up moving Alex Gordon to center field long-term and Bonifacio would continue fielding left.

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If the Royals do start winning and contending for the division, however, Bonifacio could be slotted in as the designated hitter. He’s seeing the ball much better than current DH Brandon Moss is and is making big time offensive plays for this ball club, which can’t go unnoticed.

While a lot of the key players will likely be gone this offseason, it’s nice to know that the Kansas City Royals will have someone like Jorge Bonifacio on their roster for 2018 and beyond. The guy has the ability to play anywhere in the outfield and could also serve as a designated hitter as well.

In his 27 games so far this season, Bonifacio has spent 16 games in right field, eight games in left field, and one game in center field while being the designated hitter in two games. The 16 games in right field mainly is so high because Bonifacio was supposed to be the “filler” guy until Jorge Soler was healthy and ready to play.

Well, that just goes to show how much Bonifacio is impressing, as he’s still with the team long after Soler was called up. The KC Royals can’t really afford to lose Jorge Bonifacio’s bat at this point, plus he’s clearly performing when asked. It’d be stupid to send him down to the minor leagues.

What do you think about Jorge Bonifacio? Is he going to continue this reign of excellence or start to wear down a bit?

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