Kansas City Royals: Way too early 2020 lineup predictions

Second Base

I expect the Royals to hand over second base responsibilities to Nicky Lopez for the 2020 season. The Royals will move Whit Merrifield to left field if they decide not to retain Alex Gordon and his $23 million mutual option for 2020.

Lopez is an upgrade defensively over Merrifield at second base and will provide plus defense at the position and spot start at shortstop. Lopez has been more aggressive in his first major league campaign at the plate and look for him to revert back to his more patient approach he successful utilized in the minors to climb the system rapidly. A more detailed write-up of Nicky Lopez can be read here.

2020 offseason transactions: Andy Ibanez and Brock Holt (if Whit Merrifield Traded)

• Future: Jimmy Govern, Clay Dungan, or Michael Massey (ETA: 2022)

Each of these prospects had outstanding 2019 seasons in the Royals system after being taken in the 2019 entry draft. Jimmy Govern went as high in the system as AAA in his first campaign of professional baseball. Govern has the potential to be a versatile bat with the ability to play all of the infield positions.

Clay Dungan and Govern led the Rookie level Idaho Falls Chukars to the Pioneer League championship in 2019 and could move fast in the system. Michael Massey also had an outstanding initial season in the farm system and lead the Rookie level Burlington Royals to the Appalachian League championship series (second place finish).

Massey has the potential to be plus hitter with solid gap power. A more detailed write-up of the underrated performances of Jimmy Govern and Clay Dungan can be read here.