KC Royals: 2025 World Series Champions Part 1 – Infield
By Cody Rickman
Utility – Nicky Lopez (Second Base/Shortstop/Outfield)
Nicky Lopez has proven himself to be a capable defender at second base and shortstop in his short time at the major league level. If Lopez is able to unlock the offensive potential he showed in the Royals minor league system, he will be the second base starter until more offensive potential arrives in Kansas City.
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The 2020 season stood to be a major test in the offensive development of Nicky Lopez, who put in a massive amount of work transforming his body in the offseason to be more powerful at the plate. If the 2020 season takes place and Lopez breaks out offensively, the Royals will have a very valuable piece in their infield for the next five years.
In 2025, Lopez will be entering his age 30 season in his final year of arbitration. If Mondesi is extended, Witt Jr, and Gonzales arrive in Kansas City and produce, then Lopez will find himself in the ultimate utility role.
Lopez can handle middle infield duties and should be able to handle outfield duties additionally. Lopez is capable of producing .275/.330/.400 slash line with 10+ stolen bases and could be the ideal utility man for a championship run.
Breakdown
The 2025 Kansas City Royals could have a very impressive infield. There’s potential for Royals to win three Gold Gloves in the infield with Melendez at catcher, Witt Jr at third base, and Pratto at first base. Mondesi, Lopez, and Gonzales will be above average up the middle defensively. Offensively the infield poses to possess some of the best offensive statistics in Royals franchise history.
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If everything comes together in 2025, the Royals will have a top 10 infield offensively and top five infield defensively. Each player is capable of producing +2 value in WAR with Mondesi and Gonzales capable of producing 3-4 WAR making the Royals above average at each position compared to the rest of the league.