Kansas City Royals: How 2020 team can get to 71 wins
By Cody Rickman
Catcher – Salvador Perez, Cam Gallagher, and Meibrys Viloria
The 2019 Royals generated -0.2 WAR at catcher, good for 25th in the league. The return of Salvador Perez (projected 2.2 WAR), the development of Cam Gallagher (projected 0.9 WAR) and Meibrys Viloria (projected 0.3 WAR) will bump the Royals production to 3.4 WAR at catcher in 2020.
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Losing Salvador Perez early in spring training during the 2019 season was devastating for the Royals. Not only did the offensive and defensive production slip in 2019, but there was likely a detrimental effect on the pitching staff. If the five-time Gold Glove Perez returns to his form at the plate and behind the dish, then I expect the Royals to have much more success.
The only benefit of the Perez injury was Cam Gallagher and Meibrys Viloria getting time catching and facing MLB pitching. Both struggled early, but showed themselves to be capable back-up catchers. Gallagher is my pick to be full-time back-up as he’s looked good so far this spring, presenting a big-target for pitchers and hitting above .300.
The Royals will benefit from having their leader in Perez back on the field for a full season. The pitching staff should reflect more success having Perez and Gallagher behind the plate for a full season. If the development of the first base option wasn’t so dramatic, I would pick the catcher position to be the most improved for the Royals in 2020.
Improvement: +3 Wins
Overall
The 2020 Kansas City Royals are set-up to be more successful with more consistent production coming from first base, right field, center field, and catcher. The positional improvements from offseason acquisitions, position realignment, and player development could generate 12 more wins in 2020. A season projection of 71 wins in 2020 is looking very likely early in spring training.
Next. Top 12 Royals Prospects Heading into 2020 Season. dark
The bullpen and pitching staff should be improved with the return of backstop Salvador Perez. The wave of pitching prospects could add more excitement to the team by June.
The 2020 Royals should be significantly improved from the 2019 roster. If the starting pitching staff outperforms projections and the bullpen comes together, there’s a chance the 2020 Kansas City Royals could finish above 71 wins.