Kansas City Royals: Players to watch that no one is talking about

PLAYERS TO WATCH THAT NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT – RYAN GOINS

Most Royals fans only know who Ryan Goins is because of a dropped pop up in Game 2 of the 2015 ALCS and that’s completely fine. I’m sure Goins doesn’t like to be known for that, but it is what it is.

Anyway, the Royals brought on Goins not long ago and he’s not on their roster at the moment. He’ll have an opportunity to fight for a roster spot in spring training and he might be able to surprise some people.

Ryan Goins could make a splash in spring training as long as he plays good defense.

Last season saw Goins hit nine home runs for the Blue Jays, but his average was only at .237. The season prior he hit just .186, but had a lot less at bats. The good news with the bad offensive stats is that the Royals probably didn’t sign him for that. They likely inked him to a contract due to his defensive versatility.

Goins is a less offensive savvy Whit Merrifield, spending time at shortstop, second, and third last year. In 2016, he played at just about every position other than catcher (he even pitched in a game). Yes, he did play at first base for two games last year, which will obviously be the most talked about part when it comes to Goins.

Goins came in ninth in the American League for Defensive WAR in 2015, so he does have the ability to field well. That is likely what attracted the Royals to him.

With a pretty wide open group in 2018, Ryan Goins could make a splash in spring training as long as he plays good defense and doesn’t look like a liability on offense. Pressure’s on!