Kansas City Royals: Starting rotation candidates for 2018 season

STARTING ROTATION CANDIDATES – TREVOR OAKS

The Royals made a big trade two weeks ago, sending reliever Scott Alexander to the Dodgers for two prospects. One of those prospects was Trevor Oaks, who could immediately compete for a starting job in Kansas City.

Oaks didn’t pitch at all in the big leagues for the Dodgers, but he was likely close to getting his first major league call up. The 24 year old right hander pitched for three minor league squads a season ago, totaling an ERA of 3.83, a WHIP of 1.287, 81 strikeouts, and 19 walks with a 4-3 record in 91.2 innings.

Oaks is good at limiting walks and is an innings eater. There’s no doubt that he’ll eventually be in the rotation, but the first five I listed seem like the most likely choices. If Oaks really impresses in spring training, he could certainly be a fourth or fifth starter for the Royals.

Oaks could start the year in AAA, in the bullpen, or he could surprise us all and win an immediate spot in the rotation. The sky is the limit with this guy heading into 2018 and the Royals have time to groom him into what they want him to become.