Kansas City Royals: Cornerstones of team moving forward
It hasn’t been a good season for the Kansas City Royals, but obviously fans know there won’t be a postseason appearance, so we’re looking ahead to the future now. Who might the cornerstones be for the Royals?
Smell that? That could be the beginnings of Fall foliage. It could be the smoldering smell of wood embers from a late night bonfire. Or it could be Arrowhead’s parking lot filled with all kinds of juicy steaks, chicken, and ribs that are drenched in each of their own special sauces and rubs.
While that does smell so good, what isn’t good is how poor this season has gone for the Kansas City Royals. So, moving forward, who might the Royals’ build their future roster around? This is critical for the Royals to answer.
Why is it critical for them to answer this question sooner than later? The Royals have long stated that they wanted their next successful window to be opened somewhere around the 2021-2023 seasons. They also want success sooner than later because attendance and interest has steadily dropped off since 2016. Who might be around when this window comes to the forefront?
The Royals are building around youngsters such as Adalberto Mondesi, Hunter Dozier, Brad Keller, Jakob Junis, and Nicky Lopez. Why these players? Mondesi has long been heralded as a toolsy player who could lead a franchise. He can hit for power, play stellar defense, and run the bases well. There is a lot to like about Mondesi if he can stay healthy.
As for Brad Keller, he has taken steps to prove that he could be a part of future Royals rotation. The first step Keller has taken is toward his longevity. So far, he has pitched 158 innings in 26 games where as last year he logged 140.1 in 41 games. His strikeout per nine innings is also up a few ticks. For a season about growth and maturity, Keller has done admirably well.
While Jakob Junis has taken a baby-step backwards this season (in regards to ERA and walks) he has been steadily pushing forward. He has pitched 150.2 innings so far in just 26 games. This translates to just under six innings per game. He could easily pitch close to or just over his career mark of 177 innings.
What makes Keller and Junis stand out is their youth. Keller is only 24 and Junis is 26. The impact of their youth on the Royals is that the team can afford to let them grow and mature at the MLB level. Keller and Junis have flashed quality stuff this season so another year of growth should make their case as building blocks come 2021 and or 2022.
Hunter Dozier is another player who has emerged a little later than what some may have predicted. At age 27, Dozier has batted like an emerging competitor at the MLB level. He is like Whit Merrifield but with power.
In 103 games this year Dozier has swatted 22 home runs while improving his average to .290 from last year’s mark of .229. Dozier also has struck out less than last year. This is important to note that since the amount of games played are relatively equal.
Last year Dozier played in 102 games compared to 103 games played this year. He has also walked more this year than last year. Dozier should improve upon these numbers.