KC Royals: Five players who need to finish 2019 strong

KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 31: Right fielder Brett Phillips #14 of the Kansas City Royals catches a ball hit by Trey Mancini of the Baltimore Orioles in the sixth inning at Kauffman Stadium on August 31, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. Mancini's sacrifice fly scored Cedric Mullins. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

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Center fielder Brett Phillips #14 of the Kansas City Royals (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

BRETT PHILLIPS (OUTFIELDER)

2019 AAA: .240/.378/.505, 8 2B, 13 3B, 18 HR, 72 BB (2 IBB), 118 K, 22/23 SBs (333 ABs)

2019 MLB: .208/.321/.375, 1 2B, 1 HR, 4 BB, 7 K, 1/1 SB (24 ABs)

The word around Brett Phillips is he changed his grip and started to absolutely smash the baseball. From May 25th to August 13th (Call-up), Phillips hit .283/.405/.618 with a 16.3 BB% and 22.8 K% for Omaha.

Phillips, in his limited MLB action, has brought game changing defense in the outfield (did you see that catch on 8/28/19 vs the A’s!). I saw Phillips’ approach at the plate in Spring Training and was impressed with the quality of the contact he made.

If his grip change is to be believed he could be a regular in the Royals outfield for the foreseeable future. He’s an exceptional defender with world class arm (100+ mph).

Expectations: Realistic statistical projection over 162 games: .240 average with .340 OBP and .440 slugging (high variability, expect K rate above 25%). Gold Glove caliber D with world class arm in CF/RF (contention for platinum glove). Above average speed and base running can produce 22 – 25 SBs and several extra “hustle” doubles and triples.

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