Kansas City Royals: Hunter Dozier has opportunity to bounce back in 2021
The Kansas City Royals are hoping to see Hunter Dozier rebound in 2021.
After an impressive season in 2019, the Kansas City Royals had high hopes for Hunter Dozier in 2020. Unfortunately, it was a season to forget for the infielder, but Dozier has a chance to redeem himself in 2021.
The Royals selected Dozier No. 8 overall in the 2013 MLB Draft and initially planned to have him as their third baseman of the future after Mike Moustakas’ Royals career was over. It took Dozier some time to get to the majors and when he did make his debut in 2016, fans didn’t see much of him.
It wasn’t until 2018 that Royals fans got to see a decent sample size of Dozier and his abilities. He wasn’t great that year, but 2019 provided hope that he was not only worthy of his first-round selection but also that he could be a big part of this team in their next wave of contention.
In 2019, Dozier slashed .279/.348/.522 with 26 home runs and 84 RBI. He was one of KC’s best players that year, but his follow-up season was met with disappointment. MLB.com compiled a player from each team who had a new hope this year and Dozier was listed as the Royals’.
"He got off to a slow start at the plate once he returned, fought out of it with a strong midseason run that poked his average over .250 in mid-September, then closed the season with a 7-for-43 slump. His .228 average was 51 points under his ‘19 clip, and he struggled to a .392 slugging percentage and a .736 OPS"
It wasn’t Dozier’s year, that’s for sure, but the 2020 season was an odd one in that it was significantly shorter and COVID was always a concern. The blurb hinted that a full season and staying healthy would pay dividends for Dozier.
Hopefully, Hunter Dozier can have a big season in 2021 for the Kansas City Royals.
The Royals have moved Dozier all over the diamond since he’s reached the majors. From being their next third baseman to then moving to right field to then playing at first base to now likely being back at third base, Dozier hasn’t had consistency in the big leagues. It’d be nice for the Royals to keep him locked in at one position this year and that should be easier to do with Carlos Santana manning first base and the plethora of outfielders they have at their disposal.
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2021 could be a good year for Hunter Dozier and hopefully, he performs like the star the Royals are hoping he can be.