Kansas City Royals: Five storylines to watch in 2019

ROYALS STORYLINES TO WATCH IN 2019

NUMBER 1 – CAN THE YOUNG STARTING PITCHERS TAKE THE NEXT STEP?

In order for the Kansas City Royals to truly be great, their starting rotation will have to be as good as many are anticipating.

Forget the fact that KC took two Florida pitchers in the first round last year and four total pitchers with their first four picks. Let’s look at the pitchers who we know will be with the team from the start in 2019.

The top of that list is Brad Keller, who was the brightest spot for the Royals a season ago. Keller started the season in the bullpen, but was moved to the rotation due to injuries from other players. He ended the year with a 3.04 ERA and 9-6 record.

Jakob Junis is another young pitcher the Royals need to step up. Junis has had moments of brilliance in his young career, but his final numbers weren’t great (4.37 ERA and 9-12 record).

Eric Skoglund and Jorge Lopez are two promising options as well. Skoglund has had his fair share of struggles, but fans have seen some truly great performances from the Central Florida standout.

Lopez was acquired in the Mike Moustakas trade and didn’t do great, though he did nearly have a no hitter in September. The potential is there with Lopez, but can he do what he did on that September night on a regular basis?

If the Royals want to get back into the postseason any time soon, their young starting pitchers have to get it figured out and be dominant.