Predicting the Kansas City Royals Starting Lineup in 2021
By Sean Facey
The Kansas City Royals are right in the thick of a deep rebuild. Just a few years removed from winning the World Series in 2015, they now find themselves as perennial contenders for the top overall pick in the draft.
They're really in fire-sale mode right now in an attempt to flood an already impressive farm system with even more talent. They've already shipped out Martin Maldonado, and there's still a couple weeks to go before the trade deadline. As is customary with any rebuilding team, there's going to be a lot of changing pieces on the roster that could come in the form of free agents, expiring contracts and trades, but here's how things might like for the Royals in 2021.
1. Infield
The Royals already have a general idea of what their infield will look like come 2021. Third baseman Hunter Dozier has emerged as a star player, and middle infielder Adalberto Mondesi has made major strides at the plate over the last two years. Both figure to be key future pieces. Nick Pratto could be the first baseman if Ryan O'Hearn doesn't turn things around. Shortstop Nicky Lopez also seems a likely starter for the future, though his offensive struggles may open the door for middle infield prospect Kevin Merrell to come into play. As for the future behind the plate, Salvador Perez, who will be in the final year of his $52.5 million contract, will likely still be the backstop with the organization's fifth overall prospect in MJ Melendez waiting in the wings to take over.
2. Outfield
The outfield holds the most question marks for the future. Whit Merrifield's asking price is incredibly high, but he's not completely off limits. The contracts of Billy Hamilton and Alex Gordon both expire before the start of the 2021 season. Fortunately, outfield is an area of depth for Kansas City's farm system. 2016 third-round draft pick Kahlil Lee has shown plenty of promise in left field and should arrive on the scene by then. Center fielder Kyle Isbel will likely join him patrolling the cavernous gaps at Kauffman Stadium barring trades or signings. If Merrifield does end up getting moved, look for right field prospect Seuly Matias to take over.
3. Pitching
This is where the strength of the Royals' prospect pool comes into play. Brad Keller, who's already proven he can pitch successfully at the MLB level, will be a key piece of the rotation. Joining him will be three stellar first-round draft picks from 2018 in Brady Singer, Jackson Kowar and Daniel Lynch. It's also likely that Kris Bubic, still another first round pick from 2018, could make his way to the starting staff. The pitching future of the Kansas City Royals holds plenty of promise, there's simply no doubt about that.