Kansas City Royals: Keys to a successful 2018 season

FINDING A ROLE FOR “THE OTHER GUYS”

The point of this season was to see what the younger guys could do for this organization. Could Cheslor Cuthbert be a full-time third baseman? Where is Hunter Dozier going to play and can be be a star? What about Bubba Starling? Is Adalberto Mondesi going to get a shot to be the shortstop of the future?

Well, all of those questions got answered in one foul swoop, as the Royals signed Mike Moustakas, Lucas Duda, Jon Jay, and Alcides Escobar to their ranks. These were puzzling moves simply because we all thought the Royals would be giving those young guys opportunities after waiting for a long time to get their shot.

If, however, the Royals can figure out a way to use these players and get them at bats, then that’s definitely a success.

Moustakas might not play at third base every day, but he’s still taking at bats away from Cuthbert. Same with Duda for Dozier, Jay for Starling, and Escobar for Mondesi. All of these signings are taking at bats away from players who we were hoping to get a glimpse of this year.

If, however, the Royals can figure out a way to use these players and get them at bats, then that’s definitely a success. We might be able to count Starling out, as he’s never really shown he can do much, but he’s still considered to be a part of this Royals rebuild, even if he has been in the minors for seven years now.

Maybe the Royals will let Cuthbert play first base from time to time. Maybe Mondesi will jump between second base and shortstop. Maybe Starling will get a shot in center field at one point. Maybe Dozier will be able to be a utility player for the franchise this season.

It’s important to get these guys some at bats this season, so hopefully the Royals figure out a way to do just that.