The Kansas City Royals are underway in Spring Training. Guys who have spent their career in the minors are trying their best to get a spot on the team. Which minor league players could contribute in the bigs in 2019?
Spring Training is always fun because it’s a time where fans get to see the Kansas City Royals prospects in action alongside major leaguers. These prospects are competing for a spot on the roster come Opening Day, but even if they don’t make that lineup, they can still get a call-up at some point during the season.
That’s what this list is for. These players might not get to Kansas City for a few months, but when they do, they could be fun to watch. Which minor league guys should Royals fans expect to see this season? Let’s take a look.
SPRING TRAINING STATS COURTESY OF MLB.COM
MINOR LEAGUERS WHO COULD MAKE IMPACT – KELVIN GUTIERREZ
The Kansas City Royals acquired Kelvin Gutierrez at the trade deadline last year. The 24-year old has plenty of time to get some work in in the majors, but he definitely has a chance to provide a spark to the Royals infield.
While the Royals are set at shortstop with Adalberto Mondesi (assuming he’s healthy), third base is one of the questionable positions. Hunter Dozier, a former first round pick by the Royals, is going to get the nod there, but it took Dozier a long time to get to this point.
If Dozier struggles in 2019, Gutierrez getting a look at third base wouldn’t be crazy. He’s a few years younger than Dozier and could be the long-term answer as the third baseman for the Royals.
Gutierrez is currently batting .333 in six at bats.