Kansas City Royals: Who Would Royals Protect in Expansion Draft

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May 12, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Danny Duffy (41) talks with catcher Salvador Perez (left) during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

This was a difficult list to put together, but ultimately, I went with the young players who can provide the most stability down the road. Keeping guys like Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas just didn’t seem reasonable in this scenario.

Another name that was left off was Alex Gordon, who despite being under control for another at least two years, just didn’t make sense to protect. Gordon has struggled over the last year and a half and he’s 33 years old.

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While an MLB team might gladly scoop up Gordon for his likability and defensive skills, the Royals could survive without him. Bonifacio, who would be saved, could play left field if needed, and if Bubba Starling didn’t get snatched away (hahaha), then he could be an option in the outfield as well.

The big name free agents like Lorenzo Cain, Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, and Jason Vargas were left off for obvious reasons, but it was a tough decision. Had this been last season, all three would have easily been included.

I also didn’t keep Kelvin Herrera and he’d surely be scooped up by the new expansion team. Herrera has been great for the team, but with only one year left on his contract and not pitching all that well in 2017, he’d be expendable. The Royals would likely still have Joakim Soria or Mike Minor to slide into that closer role if necessary.

Next: Every Royals First Round Pick Since 2000

Now it’s your turn Royals fans! Which eight players would you protect if the MLB had an expansion draft?

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