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Kansas City Royals: Potential September call-ups in 2018

By Leigh Oleszczak

Kansas City Royals pitcher Glenn Sparkman walks back to the dugout from the bullpen (John Sleezer/Kansas City Star/TNS via Getty Images)
Kansas City Royals pitcher Glenn Sparkman walks back to the dugout from the bullpen (John Sleezer/Kansas City Star/TNS via Getty Images) /
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Kelvin Gutierrez #73  (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Kelvin Gutierrez #73  (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

POTENTIAL SEPTEMBER CALL-UPS: KELVIN GUTIERREZ

One of the three trade pieces that came away from dealing Kelvin Herrera was Kelvin Gutierrez, a guy who could potentially be the Royals third baseman of the future. Gutierrez is on the 40-man roster and deserves a chance to play in the bigs this fall.

Gutierrez has done well in Double-A Northwest Arkansas, tearing the cover off the ball. He’s currently slashing .288/.344/.434 with five home runs and 35 RBI in 198 at bats. He’s spent the majority of his time at third base, but has had a few starts at shortstop and as the designated hitter as well.

The only reason Gutierrez might not get called up is because the Royals could be wanting to preserve the service time on him. The sooner he gets called up, the sooner he’ll hit the free agent market in a few years.

The Royals could also still want to see if Cheslor Cuthbert or Hunter Dozier can be the future third baseman for this franchise. Neither have looked the part so far (Cuthbert is always hurt and Dozier just hasn’t been good), but until the rest of the key prospects are ready for their Major League moment, Gutierrez might have to wait his turn.

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