Kansas City Royals: Most surprising players in 2018

KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 14: Salvador Perez #13 celebrates with Whit Merrifield #15 and members of the Kansas City Royals as he celebrates his walk-off grand slam against the Minnesota Twins in the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium on September 14, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

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Wily Peralta #43 of the Kansas City Royals (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

MOST SURPRISING ROYALS IN 2018 – NUMBER FIVE: WILY PERALTA

The signing of Wily Peralta last winter seemed odd, but the Royals did not use him in his preferred role of a starter. Instead, Peralta was put in the bullpen and fared quite nicely there.

After Kelvin Herrera was traded to the Nationals, the Royals needed a closer and Peralta became that guy in Kansas City. He went on to record 14 saves and posted an ERA of 3.67 in 34.1 innings pitched.

Peralta, like many closers, didn’t perform as well in non-save situations, but he was pretty good at locking down a win in the rare times when the Royals had the lead. Peralta is under contract through next season, but it wouldn’t be surprising if the Royals listened to trade offers on him and ended up flipping him in a deal.

If that ends up being the case, the Royals will be back to square one in the closer situation, but that should be the least of their worries for the time being.

Peralta made this list due to his ability to step into that closer role when the Kansas City Royals had no one else to turn to.

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