KC Royals: 2025 World Series Champions Part 1 – Infield
By Cody Rickman
Third Base – Bobby Witt Jr (ETA – 2023)
Bobby Witt Jr has the raw ability to be a five-tool player in the major leagues. The Royals drafted Witt Jr second overall in the 2019 amateur draft with this promising potential in mind.
Witt Jr has the glove, athleticism, and arm to handle shortstop duties. The Royals could have better defensive options in 2025, so moving Witt Jr to handle third base will increase his defensive value (consider what the Baltimore Orioles did with Manny Machado in his early seasons).
Witt is projected to hit a .260 average with 19-22 home runs and 25 stolen bases during his peak years. If he moves to third base for his first couple of seasons in Kansas City, he is capable of winning a gold glove at the position. He has more than enough arm to handle all of the throws and is athletic enough to make some spectacular plays at the hot corner.
In 2025, Witt Jr will be entering his age 25 season and his second full season in the MLB. A slash line of .280/.320/.430 with 60 extra base hits and a possible gold glove at third base would be ideal for the Royals.
Witt Jr reminds me a lot of Manny Machado and if he is able to follow his career development path, this would be a very exciting outcome for the Royals.
Shortstop – Adalberto Mondesi
Adalberto Mondesi possesses game changing talent at a premium position. He has game breaking speed, power, and excellent defense, but will he ever fully recover from left shoulder injury?
Mondesi could run the risk of being an uber talented player who never reaches his lofty potential with the reoccurrence of injury.
The good news is the injury is to non-throwing shoulder and the surgical repair to tear in his joint appears to have been successful. Mondesi will be monitored closely this year if the MLB returns to action in 2020. He is subject to reinjury and setbacks if he dives with his full body weight using the left shoulder to brace his dive.
This could affect his stolen base ability (expect smaller lead-offs), defensively range (few dives for grounders), and power from his swing on the right side of the plate. Once Mondesi and the Royals feel confident in letting him go all out, the front office must consider offering Mondesi a contract extension.
Extending Mondesi – who could become a free agent in 2024 – would lock up a generational talent for the Royals at shortstop. Mondesi would be entering his age 30 season in 2025. If the Royals feel confident in locking up Mondesi to an extension this year or next, they could aim for an extension that carries into 2026 season (first two years of free agency).
In 2025, Mondesi will be 30 years old and in his prime/peak years. He is capable of producing a slash line of .275/.310/.480 with 65 extra base hits and 40+ stolen bases. His premium base running, power, and defense make him one of the most valuable players in the MLB.
The Royals’ championship aspirations could hinge on the health and realization of Mondesi’s potential.