Kansas City Royals: Most surprising players through first half of 2019

KANSAS CITY, MO - JUNE 21: Kansas City Royals second baseman Whit Merrifield (15) congratulates third baseman Cheslor Cuthbert (19) at home plate after Cuthbert's 3-run home run in the fifth inning of an MLB game between the Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals on June 21, 2019 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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Hunter Dozier # 17 of the Kansas City Royals (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

MOST SURPRISING ROYALS

NUMBER 1 – HUNTER DOZIER

Without a doubt, the most surprising member of the Kansas City Royals this year has been former first round pick Hunter Dozier.

This time last year, most Royals fans likely had Dozier in the bust category. No one would have blamed them for placing him in that particular group, as he hadn’t done much up to that point. Fans’ perception of Dozier has changed big time this year though.

The Royals (mostly) third baseman is slashing .282/.367/.532 with 13 home runs and 45 RBI in 248 at bats. Dozier was actually a candidate to start at third base for the American League in the All-Star Game, but lost the vote and didn’t end up making it as a reserve unfortunately.

Even after getting gypped out of an All-Star nod, Dozier has had a spectacular year and has now worked his way into the Royals’ future plans. He’ll turn 28 years old next month, but isn’t a free agent until 2024, so the Royals should most definitely keep him around.

When it comes to most surprising Royals this year, Hunter Dozier easily takes the cake.

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