The Kansas City Royals Roster if the Season Started Today?

The MLB is currently in a lockout but if the season started today what would the Kansas City Royals roster look like?

Major League Baseball is currently in a lockout, and with the NFL season coming to a close, fans are anxiously anticipating the start of baseball. The lockout was expected, and a frenzy of free-agent signings occurred before the lockout went into place. There are plenty of players available once the lockout ends, and players will begin to report to spring training. Currently, the Kansas City Royals have $72,925,000 on their books heading into the 2022 season. In this article, we will project what the Royals roster will look like heading into the 2022 season.

Royals fans often kick the season off with a fan fest. Current players and former players arrive to sign autographs and kick off the season before the players head down to spring training. Unfortunately, the fanfest has been canceled due to the pandemic, and the MLB is in a lockout. I figured I would take this opportunity to write an article discussing a projected Royals roster for the 2022 season.

Catcher

• Salvador Perez
• Cam Gallagher
• MJ Melendez

The first position we will discuss is catcher. The Royals will deploy Salvador Perez behind the dish. In 2021 he finished 7th in the running for MVP, posting incredible numbers at the plate. A .273 batting average, 48 home runs, and 121 RBIs. Perez participated in the home run derby and was also an All-Star. He would also win another silver slugger award.

The backup catcher position is one to keep an eye on. Currently, the Royals have Cam Gallagher, but Kansas City has the No. 67 ranked prospect and No. 9 ranked catcher, MJ Melendez lurking in the shadows. Melendez tore through the minors posting incredible numbers in 2021. He played in a total of 123 games between Northwest Arkansas (AA) and Omaha (AAA). Melendez posted a batting average of .288 with a .625 slugging, hit 41 home runs, and had 103 RBIs. The front office likes to ensure their players are ready for the big leagues, and Melendez could start the season in AAA Omaha.

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.

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.”

2nd Base

• Whit Merrifield
• Nicky Lopez

This is where things begin to get interesting, and the Royals have created options for themselves. Veteran Whit Merrifield has been a staple, and many refer to him as an ironman. He consistently plays the game and is versatile, carrying numerous gloves with him on the road. In 2021, Merrifield played 162 games. In those games, he batted 664 times, collecting 42 doubles, and 40 stolen bases. Those stats I listed are what he led the MLB in. He was also in the running for a gold glove at second base. Merrifield has been rumored to be a part of trades, but with the lockout, he remains on the Royals roster.

The next option at second base is Nicky Lopez. Lopez played 151 games for the Royals in 2021, filling in mostly at shortstop. The Royals could do a lot of shuffling at times, and Lopez has played at second base in his major league career. The matchup and also providing rest to players could lead to him playing second base.

Shortstop

• Adalberto Mondesi
• Nicky Lopez
• Bobby Witt Jr.

One of the most important positions on the baseball field and the Royals are loaded with talent at this position. At the moment the position could belong to Adalberto Mondesi, but injuries have plagued his career and cost him significant playing time. Mondesi has incredible speed along with an amazing glove. His ability to hit from both sides of the plate is a bonus. No matter how excited fans get the question always comes back to can he remain healthy.

The next player is Nicky Lopez. Lopez filled in for Mondesi and played incredible at the position. He elevated his game at the plate but also in the field. In 2021 Lopez logged 1233.2 innings at SS committing a minute seven errors. He was given 534 chances, turning 77 double plays, and finished the season with a fielding percentage of .987. Depending on how the Royals handle this position they can’t go wrong with those two options.

The flashiest option and the option every Royals fan is hoping happens is the No. 3 MLB prospect Bobby Witt Jr. to man the position. Witt was drafted in 2019 with the No. 2 selection, and from that moment he has been impressive. His talent and ability to hit a baseball is beyond incredible and he is a natural shortstop. In 2021, Witt played at both Northwest Arkansas (AA) and Omaha (AAA). In 123 total games, he logged 244 at-bats, hitting .290, an OBP of .361, and a slugging percentage of .575. He mashed the baseball ladies and gentlemen. Witt posted 144 hits, 35 doubles, four triples, 33 home runs, and 97 RBIs. He is ready to play at the major league level, but it comes down to the lockout and the decision made on service time.

According to MLB.com, “Witt drives the ball to all fields with excellent barrel control and outstanding bat speed. He has made significant gains in improving his approach in pro ball, becoming more aggressive while also trimming swing-and-miss tendencies from his game, and he already knows how to make difficult adjustments within at-bats. Witt has long shown plus raw power to his pull side and tapped into it more consistently in 2020, applying it from line to line against advanced pitching. He should generate even more power as he adds strength to his projectable frame and continues to refine his approach. Witt is also a plus runner who is aggressive on the base paths, giving him a high-end combination of power and speed at a premium position.”

3rd Base

• Hunter Dozier
• Adalberto Mondesi
• Bobby Witt Jr.
• Emmanuel Rivera

This is another position the Royals could use as a merry-go-round platoon position. Hunter Dozier was drafted to play the position but has been used in many different roles for the team. With Bobby Witt Jr. ready for the major leagues, rumors have swirled that Adalberto Mondesi could shift over to third base surrendering the shortstop position to Witt Jr. In my opinion, this is the best combo for the left side of the infield. The glove skills between these two would be incredible, and I stated above, the Royals pride themselves on playing flawless defense. Not only is KC locking down their left side, but the ability to hit the ball and add speed on the base paths would be unmatched.

The Royals sent Emmanuel Rivera out to the third base in 2021. Rivera could impress at spring training and work his way onto the major league roster. I could see him used as a role player more than anything. They could always look at the free-agent market for third base, but this article is based on the current makeup of the organization, and I presume they have plenty of good candidates for this position already inside the organization.

Outfield

• Andrew Benintendi
• Michael A. Taylor
• Kyle Isbel
• Edward Olivares
• Ryan O’Hearn
• Hunter Dozier

The outfield is locked down except for the right field position. Gold glove award winner Andrew Benintendi will continue to roam left field, and gold glove award winner Michael A. Taylor will continue to play center field. Right field has potential and the player I want to see is Kyle Isbel. Isbel is currently 24 years old that hits from the left side, and throws right-handed. In 2021, Isbel had 83 plate appearances batting .276, an OBP of .337, and a .434 slugging percentage. He can play right field and plug right into the Royals lineup consistently.

If Kansas City chooses to go a different direction, I could see this being a platoon position as well. The Royals could send out Ryan O’Hearn, Hunter Dozier, or even give a player such as Edward Olivares an opportunity. This position will depend on how seriously the Royals take 2022. If they are competing, then right field will need to be manned by one man with the occasional rest. This position could be won in spring training and will surely be a battle throughout its entirety.

Starting Pitching

• Brady Singer
• Kris Bubic
• Daniel Lynch
• Jackson Kowar
• Mike Minor
• Carlos Hernandez
• Jon Heasley
• Brad Keller

The Kansas City Royals are overflowing with starting pitchers and have already begun sprinkling in their young talent. We have seen Brady Singer, Kris Bubic, Daniel Lynch, and Jackson Kowar work their way into the rotation. We even saw Jon Heasley pitch towards the end of the season. This core group is learning how to pitch at the major league level and has the potential to be very good.

A name that needs to be mentioned is Carlos Hernandez. Hernandez burst onto the scene last year and showed the organization plus the fans his ability to throw hard and pitch well. Kansas City also has some veterans such as lefty Mike Minor. Minor could be dealt before the season, but as of right now he is on the roster and eats innings for the team. Another veteran is Brad Keller. Keller at one point was named the ace of the staff and has tendencies to display that.

The Royals are bubbling over with starting pitching talent and could have a rise in one of their younger starters. Alec Marsh, Austin Cox, Asa Lacy, Noah Murdock, and many others could impress and find their way to the majors, although the options listed above are the main candidates for the starting rotation. The coaching staff will also have to decide if they want a four-man rotation or a five-man rotation.

Relief Pitching

• Josh Staumont
• Scott Barlow
• Jake Brentz
• Dylan Coleman
• Domingo Tapia

Heading into 2022 I am most excited for the potential of the Royals’ bullpen. Kansas City could go a lot of different ways but just know these men throw heavy fastballs. Josh Staumont, Scott Barlow, and Jake Brentz can be considered locks in the bullpen. KC could go a lot of different ways after those three. One of the bullpen arms that was added late last year, Dylan Coleman has me excited. Coleman hits triple digits and is considered a local talent playing his collegiate baseball at Missouri State University.

The coaching staff will have to decide who they deem fit for the bullpen. Domingo Tapia did well for the Royals in 2021 logging 31.2 innings and posting a 2.84 ERA. There is a lot of young arms in the minors that could also make an impact in spring training. Lefty Angel Zerpa made a start for the Royals late in the 2021 season but could be a viable option coming out of the pen in a long-relief role or just a situational role.

The 2022 Kansas City Royals

Depending on the makeup of the roster come opening day will determine the competitive nature of this season. If the Royals want to start their competitive clock we will see players such as Bobby Witt Jr., MJ Melendez, and Nick Pratto make the team. KC might slowly add this group in 2022 similarly to how they added Mike Moustakas, and Eric Hosmer when they were climbing the ranks. This team will need their starting pitching to compete and show growth at the major league level. I am very excited to see the makeup of the bullpen and it has the potential to be a lethal asset. I would anticipate another lockdown defensive team. The Royals’ front office appreciates the glove being flashed and they win numerous gold gloves. This season could be the start of something special, so Royals fans get ready.