Kansas City Royals: Protected roster moves for 2019 offseason
By Cody Rickman
Designated for Assignment (DFA’d)
Jorge Bonifacio, Outfielder (27-years-old in June)
Jorge Bonifacio showed promise of developing into average outfield option capable of hitting +15 home runs per year after his 2017 campaign, hitting .255/.320/.432 with 17 homers. Unfortunately, his 2018 season was cut short with an 80-game PED suspension.
Bonifacio hit well in his small sample size at the MLB level in 2019, but struggle in AAA for most of the season. He hasn’t been able to produce much in the Dominican Winter League as well this offseason. The recent lack of production and current rostered outfielders resulted in Bonifacio’s assignment.
Nick Dini, Catcher (27-years-old in July)
Nick Dini had a subpar performance as the right-handed hitting platoon bat at catcher. I didn’t have any problems with his abilities as a catcher, he presented at least average skills in receiving, blocking, game calling, and his arm behind the plate. The Royals already have three capable catchers on the roster after the return of Salvador Perez, so Nick Dini is roster casualty.
Conner Greene, Pitcher (25-years-old in April)
Conner Greene features a power fastball and had the promise of a high upside arm with the potential of capturing a reliever role. Unfortunately, Greene wasn’t able to find his command during the 2019 season and he was a roster casualty to make room for Foster Griffin and Carlos Hernandez.
Arnaldo Hernandez, Pitcher (24-years-old in February)
Arnaldo Hernandez struggled as a starter in AA and AAA in 2019, but had a strong finish in the month of August. Hernandez could have potentially been an asset out of the bullpen, and there is hope Hernandez will pass thru waivers and accept his reassignment to the minors for the Royals.