Kansas City Royals: Projecting positional player stats for 2020 season
By Cody Rickman
Shortstop
- Adalberto Mondesi (2020 Steamer projection) – .253/.293/.430 with 58 extra base hits (20 home runs) – 2.6 WAR
If Adalberto Mondesi is able to put together a fully healthy season in 2020, then look out – we might be in for a stunning breakout at a premium position. Mondesi is currently rehabbing from offseason shoulder surgery after a shoulder subluxation in September ended his season.
Mondesi possesses the most talent the Royals have had in their franchise history at the shortstop position. He is a plus defender according to statcast metrics with elite game changing speed on the basepaths. He combines excellent line-to-line and gap power with slightly above-average home run power to potentially generate 60 extra base hits a season.
Mondesi doesn’t possess excellent plate discipline and will generally hover around .300 for an on-base percentage. His high K rate and low BB rate are unfortunate for such an excellent base runner. Mondesi has the ability to change a game when he is on the base paths and if he ever finds plate discipline, he could be one of the best shortstops in the game.
Again, if Mondesi is able to put together a healthy season in 2020, expect the Kansas City Royals front office to make a concertized effort to sign him to a long-term contract.
Left Field
- Alex Gordon (2020 Steamer projection) – .254/.331/.403 with 34 extra base hits (13 home runs) – 0.8 WAR (105 games)
When/if Alex Gordon returns for one more season with the Royals, they will have the 2019 AL Gold Glove winner and seven-time AL Gold Glove winner back in left field. Gordon has lost a step or two from his prime, but still projects to be average to above average defensively.
Sources indicate the Royals and Alex Gordon are “getting close” on a one-year deal. Might be announced Tuesday or Wednesday after his physical.
— Jeffrey Flanagan (@FlannyMLB) January 19, 2020
Gordon had his best offensive season last year since 2015, hitting .266/.345/.396 with 45 extra base hits (13 home runs). A return of this production at the plate, consistent defense, and playing 140 games in left field should be able to push Gordon’s production up to a 1.3 to 1.5 WAR range.
One final season of a consistent Gordon in left field will help the Royals in 2020 giving them roster flexibility to shuffle players around the infield and outfield. The Royals outfield prospects are not quite ready and the combination of Brett Phillips and Bubba Starling didn’t prove themselves enough in 2019 to demand an every day starting role.