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Kansas City Royals: Most surprising players in 2018

By Leigh Oleszczak

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)
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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Ryan O’Hearn of the Kansas City Royals (John Sleezer/Kansas City Star/TNS via Getty Images)
Ryan O’Hearn of the Kansas City Royals (John Sleezer/Kansas City Star/TNS via Getty Images) /

MOST SURPRISING ROYALS IN 2018 – NUMBER THREE: RYAN O’HEARN

Fans had heard the name Ryan O’Hearn over the years, but if most were being honest, they never expected the guy to amount to much in the major leagues, at least not for the Royals. O’Hearn finally got his MLB call-up in late July at the ripe old age of 25 and proved us all wrong.

O’Hearn went on a tear at the plate, slashing .262/.353/.597 with 12 home runs and 30 RBI in 149 at bats. The rookie spent the majority of his starts at first base, but also proved he could fill in as the designated hitter from time to time.

The power was there with O’Hearn and Royals fans obviously love seeing that. In fact, O’Hearn tied for fifth in home runs on the team (tying with Whit Merrifield) and made a strong case to be a part of the rebuild in the coming years.

When O’Hearn first got a call-up, a lot of fans probably didn’t expect the kid to be with the team in a few years, but he provided pop in the lineup. That’s something a rebuilding team can definitely use. Let’s see how O’Hearn performs next year and if he can continue to be a power hitter at the plate.

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