Kansas City Royals: Four positives from April of 2019 season

Positive #2: Veteran Value

Several veterans are also pulling their weight for the Royals. That includes two newcomers, one player making a huge transition, and one finding his footing again.

First, while catcher Martin Maldonado, signed after Perez’ season-ending injury, is only slashing a putrid .182/.259/.273, he’s playing excellent defense. His defensive WAR, according to Baseball-Reference, is 0.5, which brings his overall WAR up to 0.2. He’s brought an experienced foundation behind the plate that’s helped this young pitching staff.

Then there’s Homer Bailey, one of only two pitchers over 30 to have started a game for the Royals in 2019. (The other, Danny Duffy, just made his first start.) Bailey’s tossed 30 innings over six games started, going 2-3 with a 5.70 ERA. But his FIP (which can be more fully explained here by Baseball Prospectus) is a much lower 3.52, which leads all Royals starting pitchers.

Considering the Royals were able to sign him on the cheap after being waived by the Dodgers, Bailey is turning out to be quite the valuable steal.

Next is Ian Kennedy, whose transition from the rotation to the bullpen has been eye-opening. Through 13 appearances and just under 16 innings pitched, Kennedy’s WAR is 0.7 as he’s earned two saves while striking out 21 versus just two walks.

His ERA is 1.15; his FIP is 0.82. Kennedy’s contract goes through next season at another $16.5 million. Is his performance strong enough that another team may bite and trade for the 34-year-old?

Finally, of course, is Alex Gordon, who should be a favorite for this year’s Comeback Player of the Year. Sure, only month of a grueling season is in the books, but Gordon’s been resplendent so far.

He’s slashing .295/.398/.533 for an OPS of .932, which is almost 250 points higher than his 2018 OPS, and which is also a career-high. His defense remains strong as he’s in line to win his seventh career Gold Glove.

It may not be enough for the Royals to exercise their half of his $20 million mutual option for 2020, but it could certainly lead him to re-signing with the only team he’s ever known.