KC Royals: 5 players with the most to prove at spring training

KC Royals with the most to prove – No. 2: Bubba Starling

For some reason, it seems like the Royals are refusing to move on from Bubba Starling. Maybe it’s because he was a former first-round pick or that he’s a local guy or both, but the Royals can’t quit Starling. He’s a player that appears to not have garnered any attention from other teams this offseason either, making it even more perplexing that he’s stuck with the organization for as long as he has.

The Royals non-tendered Starling in early December and he was offered a minor-league contract weeks later. His slash of .204/.246/.298 in 91 games over the past two seasons is going to make it hard to justify placing him anywhere in the startling lineup.

With other young outfielders getting close to being ready for their MLB call-up (Kyle Isbel to name one), its very hard to believe Starling will ever make it back onto the 26 or even the 40-man roster this upcoming season. His production hasn’t merited a third chance whatsoever.

But if Starling can put together a solid spring, he could still find a way onto the roster. Even with his lackluster production at the plate, he is still a solid outfielder. With the addition of more power and production this offseason added to the lineup, the Royals front office might value his defense enough to keep him around for at least this season.

KC Royals with the most to prove – No. 1: Ervin Santana

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In late December the Royals signed 38-year-old Ervin Santana to a minor league contract. Santana was an All-Star during the 2017 season but has only had eight starts since that season where he has posted an ERA of 8.53.

With the Royals considering a six-man rotation, it gives Santana a legit shot at getting at least a chance to earn a spot. With all the young arms along with Danny Duffy still highly likely to be in the rotation, Santana will need a solid spring.

The option to put him in the bullpen would most likely not be an option. It would be logical for the Royals to fill up those slots with veterans like Wade Davis and Greg Holland and the other promising young arms like Josh Staumont and Tyler Zuber.

If Santana wants to pitch for the Royals, he’ll have to start in their rotation. In order to do that he’s going to have to show he can still get outs in the Cactus League.

Spring Training games are just around the corner and there is reason to legitimately be optimistic with the 2021 Royals. There is going to be plenty to cheer about this upcoming season.