Former first-round pick had a rough go in the PCL and was demoted to Double-A. Hit 88 HR over the last four seasons, but fell out of favor and was demoted last year.

The bullpen, especially in the middle innings, was an eyesore in 2019. Led the league in hits in each of the last two seasons, Royals All-Star rep in 2019. And, of course, the Royals always have Merrifield, who likely is ticketed for the outfield, for that position as well if Lopez falters. Baseball Almanac is pleased to present a unique set of rosters not easily He notched 30 saves last year.

There can be an argument made that Viloria has the higher ceiling and therefore would be better off getting more playing time in the Minor Leagues. With that, let’s take a way-too-early stab at the Opening Day roster decisions for next March -- and keep in mind that rosters will expand to 26 next season.

The rotation features starters Brad Keller, Jakob Junis and Danny Duffy. Mike Matheny, former Cardinals skipper, is taking over in the dugout for the Royals as Kansas City begins a new era. Danny Duffy, Jason Hammel, and Ian Kennedy all round out the top three spots, which says a lot.
© 2020 Student Sports, LLC. Started 16 games for the Royals the last two seasons, returned on a minor league deal.

Led the minors in strikeouts and was named BA Royals Minor League Player of the Year.

One of the top pitching prospects, struck out 144 in 148.1 innings last year. Because of their little, or in Lacy’s case no, experience in the minor leagues, it is wise to let them begin the season with an affiliate unless they plow through the competition and the Royals have a need at their positions.

Club officials have expressed content with their positional lineup moving Impressed in the Arizona Fall League and for Team USA as a reliever. Claimed off waivers from the Cubs late last year, has 65 career MLB appearances. Second baseLocks: Nicky LopezPossibilities: Whit MerrifieldLopez likely showed enough the final few weeks, even with an injured hand, to prove he can handle the job. Royals 2018 first-round pick with a chance to compete for a rotation spot.

Reinvnted himself as a closer, finishing fourth in the AL with 30 saves. Rubber-armed reliever was great in Double-A but struggled in Omaha. But there will be some interesting new faces, and Royals fans will particularly want to get a look at some of the younger players in big league camp for the first time.
Former first-round pick shows good defense, but not much bat in 56 games last year. Promising hitting prospect who lost most of last year to injuries. Ian Kennedy is the closer. These team rosters are presented only when and where the data is available.

Kansas City also joins some bottom dwellers with a subpar rotation.