KC Royals: Five players who need to finish 2019 strong
By Cody Rickman
NICKY LOPEZ (SECOND BASE/SHORTSTOP)
2019 AAA: .353/.457/.500, 6 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 20 BB, 5 K, 9/12 SBs (116 ABs)
2019 MLB: .238/.274/.316, 17 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 15 BB, 46 K, 1/2 SBs (323 ABs)
Nicky Lopez has been the most exciting prospect in the Royals system since his outstanding performance in the 2017 Arizona Fall League where he slashed .383/.433/.568. At the time I wasn’t sure Alalberto Mondesi would make the right adjustments to stay on the Royals roster (glad I was very wrong).
Lopez has shown he can be very selective at the plate with an ability to make contact and be a stubborn out. With his speed he presents a prototypical lead-off hitter or #2 hole hitter. Lopez is very athletic and with his arm he can provide above average defense at both of the middle infield positions.
Lopez, since being called into MLB action, appears to be pressing and has become hyper aggressive at the plate, he is swinging at far too many and making weak contact with pitches outside of the zone.
Expectations: Realistic statistical projection over 162 games: .270/.330/.390 with 40+ extra base hits. Above average defense in the middle infield. I expect Lopez to make the adjustment of being more selective at the plate and find the promise he displayed in the minors.