The Kansas City Royals Roster if the Season Started Today?
By Lucas Murphy
1st Base
- Carlos Santana
- Ryan O’Hearn
- Hunter Dozier
- Nick Pratto
The Royals have some options for first base, and it could come down to performance in spring training. KC could also platoon at the position with Carlos Santana, Ryan O’Hearn, and Hunter Dozier. All three of these players listed could be utilized in the designated hitter slot. Before the lockout, Santana seemed like a trade candidate and still could be once the lockout ends. Kansas City prides itself on good defense, and first base is an important position for digging balls out of the dirt and also just being able to field your position. I would envision Santana and Dozier mixing in at first base to start the season.
Down by 1 in the Bottom of the 9th Carlos Santana Smokes a WALK OFF HOMER to win it for the Royals over the Tigers and win the Series pic.twitter.com/iVqydsXGrF
— MLB Clutch Moments & Walk Offs (@MLBWalk_Offs) May 23, 2021
Fortunately, the Royals have another top prospect waiting in the minors that could plug right into first base. Nick Pratto is currently KC’s No. 2 overall prospect and he is No. 65 in the MLB. According to MLB.com, “Pratto has long been revered for his defensive prowess as a first baseman, with many evaluators giving his glove a 70 grade on the 20-80 scouting scale. His athleticism translates well at the position, while the plus arm that he used to fire upper-80s fastball as a prep is an underrated weapon. Given that defensive ability and his increased offensive production, Pratto has turned himself back into one of the best first-base prospects in baseball.”