Kansas City Royals: Every First Round Pick Since 2000

Every Royals first-round draft pick since 2000: Hunter Dozier (2013)

Hunter Dozier was the eighth overall pick by the Royals in 2013 and has made strong improvements during his time in the big leagues. Despite playing a lot of third base while in the minor leagues, Hunter Dozier only saw time as an outfielder and a designated hitter during his early stints with the Royals.

He got his first major league call up in 2016 and slashed .211/.286/.263 in eight games and 19 at-bats. Dozier was injured for most of 2017 but got another chance to prove himself in 2018. He was initially plugged in at first base, but after Moustakas was traded, he got to move to his preferred position of third. He finished that 2018 season with a slash line of .229/.278/.395 with 11 home runs and 34 RBI.

Dozier really shined bright in 2019 after batting .279 with 26 home runs and 84 RBI. He looked terrific that season and the hope was he’d continue to hit the ball well, but 2020 wasn’t as kind to him (much like it wasn’t with most people). Dozier batted just .228 in the shortened season, but the Royals are confident that he’ll end up performing more like he did in 2019 down the road.