*** Official 2017 Royals Offseason Repository

[duncan_idaho]

The reign is over. Time to begin the quest for the next one.

Interesting offseason opens for the Royals. Will they go all in for one last shot with this crew? Will they re-tool for 2018 and beyond? Will Dayton Moore actually decrease payroll this time?

Trades, free agent signings, rumors, plans, proposals... dump 'em all here, for this is... the offseason repository!

Royals Top Prospects, 2017

This is a list that’s going to seem a little bleak initially, as Raul Mondesi got enough ABs to age out of the prospect rankings (just barely – at 135 ABs, he is not rookie eligible). But that said, I like the talent and feel like this is a system that will actually be underrated by the prospect services.

Spoiler!

Format: POS/Name/2017 Projected Final Level

1) 3B/OF Hunter Dozier, MLB. Dozier bounced back from a disastrous 2015 campaign that had many wondering, myself included, if he was wrecked. His strong offensive performance in 2016 saw Dozier recapture the mature approach that many liked coming up, while also starting to tap into his above-average raw power for the first time.

In addition to his success at the plate, Dozier also proved he could at least HANDLE an OF spot, which could put him in the conversation for 2017 playing time at the major leagues. If the Royals DO end up trading Cheslor Cuthbert, Dozier could find a decent amount of MLB playing time sliding between RF and 3B. With Moustakas recovering from knee surgery, he likely will need more regular breaks from the field. And the streaky Paulo Orlando is just not an intriguing short-side platoon partner for Jarrod Dyson.

2) LHP Matt Strahm, MLB. Strahm just barely skates under the rookie eligibility rules for a pitcher, so he can be included here. Royals fans already got a taste of the lefty’s abilities, as he used his above-average fastball and slurve to dominate out of the pen in 2016. For him to translate that dominance to the rotation, Strahm will need to maintain his velocity (92-94) and continue to improve a changeup that flashed average at times.

If the changeup becomes a weapon he can lean on against righties, Strahm could be a very solid mid-rotation starter and fringe ToR/No. 2 type (think Danny Duffy-lite).

3) RHP Josh Staumont, AAA. This one could blow up on me and look really silly by this time next year, but I’m encouraged by what we saw from Staumont late last year. He showed significantly improved control down the stretch for Northwest Arkansas, including some impressive playoff starts, while maintaining the big-time K ability. That trend continued in the Arizona Fall League.

If Staumont’s control holds, the Royals have a guy with a plus fastball, plus-plus curve, and average change (with a slider that could develop into a real weapon as he matures). He’ll start next season at AAA and could be an addition to the MLB bullpen or even the rotation before the season ends.

4) RF Jorge Bonifacio, AAA. Boni, like Dozier, had a bounceback season in 2016 with the bat, and also played 15-20 pounds lighter than the year before, which added some nice defensive utility according to reports I’ve gotten. He now looks like a guy could provide solid/average RF production in the major leagues… Average defense paired with potential to put up a .275/.335/.450 line. While that’s not all-star level, it IS playable. Especially at pre-arbitration dollars. He’ll get another year in Omaha to refine his approach, and likely be in the mix of a 2018 mini-youth movement… unless moved for MLB reinforcements.

5) C Meibrys Viloria, Low-A (Lexington). I haven’t seen him in person, but I like the pedigree. You’ve got a lefthanded hitting catcher with the defensive ability to stick behind the plate. He was a big-bonus guy out of Colombia (nearly $500k). And his offensive performance has been highly impressive early, with a good combination of power, plate discipline, and contact skills.

He’s forever away from the majors, just now clearing rookie ball, but Viloria is the most exciting prospect KC has had at Idaho Falls since someone on this board was gushing about a 16-year-old SS tearing it up.

6) 1B Ryan O’Hearn, AAA. O’Hearn is a guy who has never gotten a lot of hype from scouts, but he continues to be a strong producer. He’s someone who likely will strikeout about 25 percent of the time at the big-league level, but has the ability to be a .500+ SLG guy. That plays. He also has shown good patience at the plate, posting above-average OBPs at every level.

Bold prediction: I won’t be shocked if O’Hearn takes over at 1B for KC in 2018/2019 and provides similar offensive production to Hosmer out of the gate. He’s probably never going to be a consistent plus average (.290+) hitter, but .270 with 25 HR is something within reach for him. He’ll get his first shot at AAA in 2017.

7) RHP AJ Puckett, A+. Puckett is a high floor, low-ceiling guy who performed about as you’d expect in 2016 after being the Royals’ first pick in the 2016 Rule IV Draft. He’s not flashy, but Puckett does profile as a solid potential back-end starter. Good fastball command and an above-average changeup are his calling cards. If Puckett finds a reliable breaking ball to put batters away, this could tick up. Great athlete, very similar to Jake Odorizzi in that regard.

8) RF Khalil Lee, Low-A (Lexington). Lee was a two-way player in HS and many viewed him as a pitcher first as a pro, but the Royals drafted him as an OF and were reward with a strong debut campaign. Lee is not a big guy, but he produced solid power numbers despite that. He’s a dynamic athlete who could contribute with power and speed.

9) C Chase Vallot, High-A (Wilmington). Vallot has an intriguing bat, with plus raw power. Got off to a great start in 16 before being sidelined and then sidetracked by injury. RH bat may be good enough to push him out from behind the plate, where he has good tools but a long way to go.

10) RHP Jake Junis and RHP Alec Mills (AAA). I'm copping out here and including both at No. 10 because they're so similar. Like Puckett, they each project as a serviceable back of rotation starter. Similar stuff and profiles, though Junis has shown a little better strikeout ability and may have a smidge more upside as a result.

Others of note:

SS/CF Marten Gasparini. Production has been bad for this toolsy player, but Gasparini has speed and pop that jump out at you. At only 19, need to be patient with him... this European signee was even less polished when signing at 16 than the typical Latin America prospect.

OF Seuly Matias. Loud, loud tools. Matias profiles as a classic RF... big-time power potential. He's a long ways from the majors but is one of the Royals' biggest bonus babies from LA.

RHP Ashe Russell. 2014 1st rounder saw his velocity disappear last year and was quickly shut down. He's intriguing one way or the other, even if he ends up as another notch in the belt of the TINSTAAPP saying.

2B Corey Toups. O'Hearn's HS teammate has been an above-average producer for an up-the-middle player. His small stature hides a surprising amount of pop. Could turn into a Mark Grudzielanek type of offensive second baseman at his peak - solid average, lots of 2Bs.

RHP Scott Blewett, LHP Foster Griffin, RHP Nolan Watson - all three have underwhelmed as pros but were drafted in the supplemental round. Stuff and projectability for each is a positive. Wouldn't be surprised to see one of them take a Cody Reed-like step forward this season and crack the 50-75 range on prospect lists. They all have the natural ability.

SS/2B Ricky Aracena - Jose Altuve-sized Aracena is a switch hitting middle infielder who can flat out run. Switch hitter with a good approach.

RHP Pedro Fernandez - I'm still a believer in his stuff, even if he is destined for the pen. Was having a nice 2016 start until injuries derailed him right after his promotion to AA.

Sirs not Appearing in this Prospect List:

RHP Kyle Zimmer. Same story, different year. The Royals are hopeful they FINALLY found the cause of Zimmer's achy shoulder. If they really did, and he can stay healthy, the talent/potential is exciting.

OF Bubba Starling. Never trust a guy named Derek.

[Rasputin]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

Nah.

Travis Kelce is actually as good as his reputation.

What's that suppose to mean?


Hosmer kicked ass in the WS did you not see what he did there?

The guy kicked ass to help Royals win a World Series they wouldn't have done it without him.

Hosmer kicks ass and so does Kelce but Hosmer has a WS ring and Kelce needs to get a SB ring.

[Fansy the Famous Bard]

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

What's that suppose to mean?


Hosmer kicked ass in the WS did you not see what he did there?

The guy kicked ass to help Royals win a World Series they wouldn't have done it without him.

Hosmer kicks ass and so does Kelce but Hosmer has a WS ring and Kelce needs to get a SB ring.

Comparing players by championship rings is the dumbest thing in the world.

...... Literally.

Hosmer is overhyped by a great deal.

[Rasputin]

Originally Posted by fahrenheit

Comparing players by championship rings is the dumbest thing in the world.

...... Literally.

Hosmer is overhyped by a great deal.

I'll take overhyped winning the WS any day if you call that overhyped I feel sorry for you not sorry for me.

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

What's that suppose to mean?


Hosmer kicked ass in the WS did you not see what he did there?

The guy kicked ass to help Royals win a World Series they wouldn't have done it without him.

Hosmer kicks ass and so does Kelce but Hosmer has a WS ring and Kelce needs to get a SB ring.

I read an article on the KC Star asking if Eric Hosmer was the best 1b in MLB.

Eric Hosmer is arguably the 4th best 1b in the AL Central, 5th best if you count Encarnacion.

That's what I mean. Hosmer is a fine baseball player who's made a single All-Star game in a year where he put up a WAR of 1.0. In that World Series you claim he kicked ass in he managed an OPS below .500.

I would say that Eric Hosmer is the modern day Mark Grace but that does Mark Grace a pretty massive disservice. He's the modern day Wally Joyner.

That's a good baseball player but c'mon, the hype the guy gets is unreal.

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

I'll take overhyped winning the WS any day if you call that overhyped I feel sorry for you not sorry for me.

Ah.

So you'll ask the question and then plug your ears when someone answers it.

You may save your pity, sir.

[Rasputin]

[Rasputin]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

I read an article on the KC Star asking if Eric Hosmer was the best 1b in MLB.

Eric Hosmer is arguably the 4th best 1b in the AL Central, 5th best if you count Encarnacion.

That's what I mean. Hosmer is a fine baseball player who's made a single All-Star game in a year where he put up a WAR of 1.0. In that World Series you claim he kicked ass in he managed an OPS below .500.

I would say that Eric Hosmer is the modern day Mark Grace but that does Mark Grace a pretty massive disservice. He's the modern day Wally Joyner.

That's a good baseball player but c'mon, the hype the guy gets is unreal.

I didn't say Hosmer is the best First Base I said he is my favorite player and IMFO is the coolest dude on the planet. So I don't give a shit if he is overhyped I like him and he is fun to watch as a Royal and I would hate to see him play for anyone else.

Now I compared him to Kelce because Kelce is becoming one of my favorite Chiefs so I'm wanting WS mojo to rub off onto the Chiefs and Kelce will make plays for us.

Your like Lucy when Charlie Brown tries to kick a field goal and pulls the ball away. Just has to freaking ruin it.

[KevB]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

I read an article on the KC Star asking if Eric Hosmer was the best 1b in MLB.

Eric Hosmer is arguably the 4th best 1b in the AL Central, 5th best if you count Encarnacion.

That's what I mean. Hosmer is a fine baseball player who's made a single All-Star game in a year where he put up a WAR of 1.0. In that World Series you claim he kicked ass in he managed an OPS below .500.

I would say that Eric Hosmer is the modern day Mark Grace but that does Mark Grace a pretty massive disservice. He's the modern day Wally Joyner.

That's a good baseball player but c'mon, the hype the guy gets is unreal.

He came up huge in a number of key spots two years in a row playoffs/World Series. Your comments above aren't wrong, but a guy with his charisma playing big in the most important spots is going to get additional credit.

[WhawhaWhat]

Originally Posted by KevB

He came up huge in a number of key spots two years in a row playoffs/World Series. Your comments above aren't wrong, but a guy with his charisma playing big in the most important spots is going to get additional credit.

Not to the FanGraphs nerds.

[Fansy the Famous Bard]

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

I'll take overhyped winning the WS any day if you call that overhyped I feel sorry for you not sorry for me.

KC Tattoo - "Travis Kelce is the Eric Hosmer for the Chiefs"

People responded to that by basically stating that Kelce is a Great player... Hosmer is a Hypemachine and you went nuts quoting world series rings, etc.

I'm happy we won the World Series. In the same breath I'm not running out and saying Christian Colon is the same as Jamal Charles, pointing to Championships, then getting butthurt when someone disagrees.

Understand, or do I need to slow down even further for you...

to...

follow.

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by WhawhaWhat

Not to the FanGraphs nerds.

Any time you can channel your inner Murray Chass you know you're on the right track.

[WhawhaWhat]

Originally Posted by fahrenheit

KC Tattoo - "Travis Kelce is the Eric Hosmer for the Chiefs"

People responded to that by basically stating that Kelce is a Great player... Hosmer is a Hypemachine and you went nuts quoting world series rings, etc.

I'm happy we won the World Series. In the same breath I'm not running out and saying Christian Colon is the same as Jamal Charles, pointing to Championships, then getting butthurt when someone disagrees.

Understand, or do I need to slow down even further for you...

to...

follow.

You're way too smart for us. Go slower.

[WhawhaWhat]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

Any time you can channel your inner Murray Chass you know you're on the right track.

See.

[Rasputin]

Originally Posted by fahrenheit

KC Tattoo - "Travis Kelce is the Eric Hosmer for the Chiefs"

People responded to that by basically stating that Kelce is a Great player... Hosmer is a Hypemachine and you went nuts quoting world series rings, etc.

I'm happy we won the World Series. In the same breath I'm not running out and saying Christian Colon is the same as Jamal Charles, pointing to Championships, then getting butthurt when someone disagrees.

Understand, or do I need to slow down even further for you...

to...

follow.

Fact Hosmer is my favorite baseball player so I'm going hype him up all I want & idgaf.

I do get what you are saying but

Fact #2 Kelce is quickly becoming another all time favorite Chief player of mine so I'm going have fun having fun making the two comparable.

Hosmer is a solid first baseman and a clutch hitter and you can't deny it because he was clutch throughout the 2015 playoffs. So I'm all for the hype around Hosmer he earned it.

Kelce is earning his hype and I want it to carry through the Super Bowl that's all I'm wishing.

They both are cool players to root for. So I don't get why you guys have to shoot me down? Seriously it was fun for me to hype up them both for a freaking game and a good time to be both a Royal and a Chief fan.

All I am is a fan I know what I like when I see it. I'm not a guru I don't pretend to be a baseball guru but I know a good baseball player when I see one and Hosmer is a damned good baseball player. So I don't see how he can be overhyped. He doesn't have to be better than the best first baseman but he is fun to watch as a Royal and he helps win ball games.

The only reason I got butthurt is because I Hosmer is my favorite player that's not going to change anytime soon nor any argument why he shouldn't be isn't going to change my mind.

[Prison Bitch]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

I read an article on the KC Star asking if Eric Hosmer was the best 1b in MLB.

Eric Hosmer is arguably the 4th best 1b in the AL Central, 5th best if you count Encarnacion.

That's what I mean. Hosmer is a fine baseball player who's made a single All-Star game in a year where he put up a WAR of 1.0. In that World Series you claim he kicked ass in he managed an OPS below .500.

I would say that Eric Hosmer is the modern day Mark Grace but that does Mark Grace a pretty massive disservice. He's the modern day Wally Joyner.

That's a good baseball player but c'mon, the hype the guy gets is unreal.

Hes indisputably overrated, but you're the one who argues against defensive metrics, which are a major drag on his WAR totals. He does have very good clutch numbers too, so by WPA the past two seasons, he's 9th right behind Encarnacion and ahead of Belt, Carlos Santana, Jose Abreu etc. (And #2 in "clutch")