3 Positions The Royals Must Improve to Make Playoffs in 2024
By Joe Summers
3. Corner Outfielder
The Royals' infield feels mostly set with Maikel Garcia's impressive season, Bobby Witt Jr.'s MVP-like performance and solid contributions from players like Vinnie Pasquantino, Freddy Fermin and Michael Massey.
We could use some angels in the outfield, though. MJ Melendez hit just .235 with a negative WAR and Edward Olivares projects more as a utility player. Young guys like Nate Eaton aren't ready and while Nelson Velazquez was spectacular with the Royals, it's difficult to count on that level of production without any back-up plan.
Among qualified hitters over the last 30 days, #Royals Nelson Velázquez:
— Mike Kurland (@Mike_Kurland) September 25, 2023
- is 1 of 6 players with 10 HRs
- 1st in ISO: .436
- 6th in SLG%: .679
- 1st in barrel%: 25.5%
- Top 30 in hard hit%: 50% pic.twitter.com/rSmGMcYDuY
I'm thrilled to see Velazquez's development this season and Tyler Gentry is a developmental piece that should contribute next year as well, but Kansas City still needs another power bat in the outfield.
Drew Waters' development should keep the outfield defense strong, but his offensive struggles make his position uncertain. If he improves with Velazquez and Melendez providing pop, we'll have a promising outfield. That's a lot of "ifs" though, and I'd rather bank on acquiring a player to help lead the development.
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