KC Royals: 2025 World Series Champions Part 2 – Outfield/DH
By Cody Rickman
Center Field – Kyle Isbel (ETA – 2021)
Kyle Isbel may not possess any exceptionally loud tools, but he has shown above average tools across the board. His defense is above average for corner outfield position and he has enough range to handle center field duties. His plate discipline and ability to make consistent contact carry his offensive output and project him to hit above .270 with an on-base around .340.
Isbel has experienced minor league postseason success, contributing on two minor league championship teams (A Lexington 2018 and A+ Wilmington 2019). He had a solid spring training with the Royals in 2020 and should continue to progress rapidly in the farm system. Isbel has the makings to be a solid lead-off hitter for the Royals in the future.
In 2025, Isbel will be entering his age 28 season in his fourth full season in the MLB. He is capable of handling duties at every outfield position with his speed and range he’d be a solid defender in center field.
Isbel has the potential to produce a .275/.340/.420 slash line with 14 homeruns and 25 stolen bases. Isbel reminds me a lot of current New York Yankee Brett Gardner who drives up pitch counts with long at-bats.
Right Field – Erick Pena (ETA – 2024)
Erick Pena hasn’t played a single game as a professional in the United States and has found himself on one of the top 100 prospects lists already (Prospects Live). Pena considered one of the top international prospects, signed for $3.8 million right after the July 2nd international signing period opened.
Even though he’s only going to be 17-years-old the 2020 season, Pena is a polished prospect with plus hitting and fielding tools. Being so young and untested against professional pitching sets up Pena to be a high variance type prospect.
Pena has the potential to hit .260 with 19 – 22 home runs with the possibility for more once he matures. He has a good hitting approach and doesn’t swing and miss often, so he’s more likely to reach his power projection. Pena is an average runner and will likely be an above average corner outfielder defensively.
In 2025, Pena will be entering his age 22 season and his first full season in the MLB. Pena should be a rookie of the year candidate with above average tools across the board with his bat leading the way.
Pena has the potential to produce a .275/.320/.450 slash line with 20 homeruns and 15 stolen bases. There have been multiple comparisons already of Pena to former Royals star Carlos Beltran and if Pena comes close to the career Beltran had the Royals will be very fortunate.