Royals Poised to Take Big Step Forward in MLB Power Rankings Thanks to Dayton Moore's Kindness

The Kansas City Royals don't seem like an attractive free agency destination, on the surface. They play in a small market, have been one of the worst teams in the league over the last few years, and lack a ton of blue chip prospects despite years of high draft picks.

Even with all of that, the Royals might end up becoming the premier destination for players that are not taken in the five-round 2020 MLB Draft. The main factor behind this is the generosity of Royals GM Dayton Moore, as his insistence on paying minor league players through August amid the coronavirus pandemic makes Kansas City an attractive destination, and set a new standard his fellow leaders have not met.

There's talk around baseball that once the 5-round MLB Draft is over, the Royals are in prime position to attract/sign top non-drafted players because of their decision not to cut Minor Leaguers or salaries. One agent told me: "KC knows how to treat players. They do it right."
— Jeffrey Flanagan (@FlannyMLB) June 10, 2020

Not only do the Royals have the No. 4 pick in the 2020 Draft, a pick most expect will be used on New Mexico State infielder Nick Gonzales, but they could pick up a few prized high school prospects in this pseudo-free agency after the five rounds are up.

With players like Brady Singer and Khalil Lee giving the Royals' farm system a bit of life, Moore's charitable spirit could make their 2020 "draft" haul one for the ages.

Dayton Moore may be the most universally respected man in the game right now. https://t.co/n0JkmzkRoA
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) June 10, 2020

No amount of star power can overcome bad ownership. Likewise, good ownership can make teams attractive landing spots routinely, even after several poor seasons in a row. Moore's desire to treat players the right way could help Kansas City start competing for division titles sooner than expected.