KC Royals made a statement by demoting Nicky Lopez to start the season

The KC Royals showed they’re serious about winning this year and proved that with their decision to demote Nicky Lopez ahead of Opening Day. 

It seemed all too likely that Nicky Lopez would be the starting second baseman on Opening Day for the Kansas City Royals. That all changed on Sunday, however, as the team made the decision to send Lopez to Triple-A Omaha to start the 2021 season.

This is a huge move by the organization for many reasons. They wanted Lopez to win the second base job and in most years, they probably let his poor performance in spring training slide and give him the Opening Day start. Lopez was hitting just .118 in 34 at-bats during spring training, which is what led to his demotion.

By doing this, the Royals showed they’re in it to win it this year. Guys aren’t going to be given any kind of slack because they’re the hopeful pieces of the next big run. Lopez hasn’t hit well since his call-up in 2019 and he needs to go the minor leagues to fix whatever’s ailing him.

The KC Royals couldn’t let Nicky Lopez start at second base with how poorly he’s been hitting.

This decision also means that Whit Merrifield will move from right field to second base, which is the position he initially played for the Royals. Merrifield has no issues playing at second and his ability to move around the field and plug and play anywhere is one of the biggest reasons why he’s such a great player to have.

With Merrifield moving from right field to second base, the Royals need someone new in right field. What the demotion of Lopez could also mean is that the Royals could be giving Kyle Isbel a spot on the Opening Day roster to be that right fielder.

Isbel has shined bright in spring training, hitting .341 with two home runs and five RBI through 41 at-bats. He’s spent most of his time in center field but has played in right field during his time in the minor leagues.

As mentioned above, in most years, the Royals probably excuse Lopez’s poor offensive performance and give him the Opening Day start at second base. This year isn’t like most years though. The Kansas City Royals want to win in 2021 and are serious about competing.

This team wanted Lopez to be their starting second baseman, so making this move signals that they won’t be letting guys slide just because he’s supposed to be a key piece for the future.