Kansas City Royals: Most surprising players from 2019 season

KANSAS CITY, MO. - AUGUST 27: Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) hits an RBI double in the sixth inning during a Major League Baseball game between the Oakland Athletics and the Kansas City Royals on August 27, 2019, at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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Hunter Dozier #17 of the Kansas City Royals (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

IAN KENNEDY

It wasn’t a shock that Ian Kennedy was moved to the bullpen in 2019, but what was shocking was how well he performed in his new reliever role. Kennedy eventually became the official closer of the Royals, locking down 30 saves.

Kennedy finished the season with an ERA of 3.41 and WHIP of 1.28 in 63.1 innings thrown. Kennedy could be someone to keep an eye on this offseason, as teams might be looking to trade for him.

HUNTER DOZIER

The Royals drafted Hunter Dozier with the eighth overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft and he finally showed why he was drafted that high. Dozier slashed .279/.348/.522 with 26 home runs and 84 RBI. Even though Dozier is 28 years old, he can still be a legitimate part of this team when the boys in blue are ready to start contending again.

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