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Kansas City Royals: Cornerstones of team moving forward

By Johnathan Houser

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - APRIL 27: Salvador Perez #13 of the Kansas City Royals and general manager Dayton Moore embrace before the game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Kauffman Stadium on April 27, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by John Sleezer/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - APRIL 27: Salvador Perez #13 of the Kansas City Royals and general manager Dayton Moore embrace before the game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Kauffman Stadium on April 27, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by John Sleezer/Getty Images) /
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Alex Gordon #4 of the Kansas City Royals (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Alex Gordon #4 of the Kansas City Royals (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Perez’s presence will be a boon to the flood of young pitchers coming up as well as the pitchers that are already here. Perez’s clubhouse leadership, defensive work, and jovial personality will offer the crop of young catchers coming up through the Royals system.

Perez will be eased back into the catcher’s spot next season as he continues to build his strength back. However, the long-term plans may call for a position switch. This may mean Perez will be the long-term designated hitter or platoon first baseman (until Nick Pratto is ready).

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The last building block is a mystery.

What will Alex Gordon or the Royals do (with Alex) at the conclusion of the season is the question both parties will try to answer. Both Gordon and the Royals have professed (all season) their affinity for one another.

For his part, Gordon has had a quality season. For the Royals’ part, they love Gordon’s self-discipline, grit, and work ethic. These are the characteristics that the Royals press upon their young players.

Since Gordon has had a nice season the Royals may work with him to bring him back under a few scenarios.

  • The first scenario is straight forward. Gordon plays his usual spot in left field at his usual number of games. This will continue until he is traded down the season (which would seem unlikely).
  • The next scenario could be similar to the one the Mariners took with Ichiro Suzuki a few years ago. Under this scenario, Gordon plays his usual spot and clip until he plays himself out of the lineup. At that time, Gordon transitions into a coach or into an advisory role for the club.

Regardless of how Gordon’s situation plays out, the Royals would be wise in trying to keep him in the organization in some sort of capacity.

Next. 2020 Free Agent Pitcher Options. dark

These are the most obvious building blocks on this year’s squad as the Kansas City Royals look toward a more promising 2020 season. They will continue to trot out youthful players that will get many chances and looks as the organization builds their next contender.

However, the question remains, will these building blocks prove to be sturdy or will they ultimately crumble?

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