The Royals are just one season removed from a world title. Easy to forget, right? Now, a mere 16 months after capturing a World Series trophy, the team finds itself at the outset of a pivotal campaign that could mark the end of an era in Kansas City.
The club’s championship window may be in its final stage, with core players Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Lorenzo Cain and Alcides Escobar set to become free agents at season’s end.
As we approach the 2017 season, we’re previewing what’s ahead for each of the 30 MLB teams. The Royals are next:
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Up-and-coming player to watch
The Royals traded closer Wade Davis, who’s in the final year of his contract, to the Chicago Cubs for 25-year-old Jorge Soler in December. The right-fielder, a former top prospect, instantly became the most interesting young player on the roster. Soler had a solid rookie season in 2015, then regressed the following year; his playing time diminished in what was a championship season for Chicago.
Soler’s an aggressive, strikeout-prone hitter, but his power is undeniable. He’s amassed 27 homers, 98 RBI and a .762 OPS over 682 career at-bats. If the Royals get similar production in a full season from the Cuban, they’ll be happy. Soler is under team control through 2020, so there’s an opportunity to become a fixture in KC’s future.
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What a successful 2017 season would look like
In one, simple word: Health. Injuries doomed any chance of a World Series repeat for the Royals, who lost several key players for large chunks of time in 2016. Kansas City is among the better defensive teams in baseball, but generating runs was an issue last year, in part due to the injuries. Strong offensive campaigns by the pending free agents will go a long way, as well as a return-to-form from Alex Gordon, who played hurt and slashed .220/.312/.380 with a .692 OPS, well below his career norms. Brandon Moss needs to approach his career power numbers as well, if he’s to adequately replace Kendrys Morales as designated hitter.
The rotation needs ace Danny Duffy and veterans Ian Kennedy and Jason Hammel to eat serious innings because unlike years past, it won’t be able to rely on a mega-bullpen. With Davis gone, Kelvin Herrera assumes closer duties and should be fine. But who replaces Herrera as a primary set-up man? Joakim Soria struggled in his return to Kansas City and left-hander Matt Strahm, a revelation last season, is just 22 innings into his big-league career. Travis Wood and Nathan Karns are intriguing hurlers who figure to add depth to the rotation or bullpen.
Biggest remaining question
How long does the ‘last hurrah’ last for this group of Royals? If the club falters out the gate, pressure will be on management to move players in their walk years. And even if Kansas City contends, one or more may still be moved — the risk of losing core players for nothing could prove too great. The team is said to be interested in re-signing Hosmer, but it would be surprising if that happens mid-season with the Scott Boras client.
Chasing the behemoth Cleveland Indians in the Central might be a tough task, but if this Royals team gets to a wild-card game, look out. They know how to win and would love nothing more than to honour the memory of pitcher Yordano Ventura, who lost his life in a January car crash in the Dominican Republic.
