*** 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.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

Oh well I don't care how over~hype over~rated Hosmer is he is my favorite Royal probably till eternity. He can strike out next 30ab and I will still love him for what I've seen him do as a Royal.


Haters gonna hate that's ok. He is a team player. His teammates love him he rallies the Royals back to victory when they are down I don't know what more can ask out of a player? He is fun to watch and helps Royals win that's what I care about.


I'm sure their are better 1B but they didn't win a WS for the Royals so I don't give two shits about them.


Hosmer Perez Gordon Moose the bull pen they are Baseball Gods to me.

I really don't get the hate on the guy all he's done is help the Royals win a WS. Ungrateful unappreciated fans.

I don't think any of us are ungrateful. But someone is going to overpay for his talent and I personally don't think it should be us. He's simply over-valued for what you are actually getting.

I've still get a hardon for Hosmer. No question there.

[Rasputin]

Originally Posted by Chiefspants

Hos hasn't markedly improved since his rookie season, but if there was a swag and team chemistry metric, Hos would be in the top three in the league.

He has the tools to be a superstar. His power, when he connects, is monstrous. When he's on, he plays like a generational superstar.

However, he has significant holes in both sides of his game that he's never filled since his rookie year. He's been able to hide these issues that his incredible talent (relying on his quick hands over practicing fundamental D, relying on quick reactions over shortening his swing), and these holes are going to start becoming more and more detrimental with age. We already saw a noticeable regression in his defense last season.

With that said. Eric ****ing Hosmer was instrumental in our championship and was a cornerstone piece in the revival of the team and the locker room, that smile and hairdo came to symbolize the revival of our freaking city.

I'll always love Hos, even when he's hitting 3 bouncer singles with the Dodgers in 2018. He brought a superstar persona to the Royals and became a face for the entire city to get behind (along with Salvy) and it will always be appreciated.

Very good

[Chiefspants]

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

Oh well I don't care how over~hype over~rated Hosmer is he is my favorite Royal probably till eternity. He can strike out next 30ab and I will still love him for what I've seen him do as a Royal.


Haters gonna hate that's ok. He is a team player. His teammates love him he rallies the Royals back to victory when they are down I don't know what more can ask out of a player? He is fun to watch and helps Royals win that's what I care about.


I'm sure their are better 1B but they didn't win a WS for the Royals so I don't give two shits about them.


Hosmer Perez Gordon Moose the bull pen they are Baseball Gods to me.

I really don't get the hate on the guy all he's done is help the Royals win a WS. Ungrateful unappreciated fans.

I'm totally with you. Alex Gordon will be my favorite player for all of eternity. He'll always be my George Brett, Frank White, those guardians of what felt like the Old, Romanticized West of Royals past that my Mom told me about as a kid. To me, Gordo's draft, disappointment and Gordaissance represents the rebirth of our entire franchise and is a disney type dream come true for my fandom.

Despite all of the hate he got this year for his down year (after his franchise record deal), I wouldn't care if he had the exact same year for the remainder of his deal and took the mutual option with the Royals. After his home run in Game 1 of the WS (further again redeeming the end of his first World Series), I wouldn't care if the Royals paid him 200 million. He's my favorite Royal for life (his gold trim jersey actually just came in the mail for me today).

I'll always love Hos. I'll always be thankful for him being the swagtastic, clutch badass that he is. My analysis will never be a criticism for what he's done for this franchise.

[Rasputin]

Originally Posted by lewdog

I don't think any of us are ungrateful. But someone is going to overpay for his talent and I personally don't think it should be us. He's simply over-valued for what you are actually getting.

I've still get a hardon for Hosmer. No question there.

We can win another WS with Hosmer. He brings swag to the Royals that's hard to replace. His teammates rallies with him he cheers them on and they cheer him on so those aspects of his game with team chemistry make Hosmer a valuable team player. I believe back to back WS appearances worn on the Royals for the 2016 season but they will be bouncing back as they should be healthy but I want to see what the starting pitching is like. If we still have robots in the bullpen then we can have the same formula for success.

Hosmer hands down is my favorite player so they can pay all of Glass money he would be worth it. So I can hope take my kids to see him play.

I respect your vewpoints Lewdog you know baseball better than I do. I just know what I like and I like Hosmer. He is just fun to watch.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

We can win another WS with Hosmer. He brings swag to the Royals that's hard to replace. His teammates rallies with him he cheers them on and they cheer him on so those aspects of his game with team chemistry make Hosmer a valuable team player. I believe back to back WS appearances worn on the Royals for the 2016 season but they will be bouncing back as they should be healthy but I want to see what the starting pitching is like. If we still have robots in the bullpen then we can have the same formula for success.

Hosmer hands down is my favorite player so they can pay all of Glass money he would be worth it. So I can hope take my kids to see him play.

I respect your vewpoints Lewdog you know baseball better than I do. I just know what I like and I like Hosmer. He is just fun to watch.

If Hosmer hits 30+ homers this year, I'll be his biggest fanboy for eternity.

[Rasputin]

Originally Posted by lewdog

If Hosmer hits 30+ homers this year, I'll be his biggest fanboy for eternity.

See he can strike out 50 times in a row and he will still be my favorite player.

We won the World Series with what Hosmer did and he is such a cool dude.


There are so many aspects to winning it all that have to come in line Hosmer was just a piece of that but he was the piece that fit right to put it all together.

I would love to see him hit 30+ homers this year but I still love him no matter what.

I'm still celebrating the 2015 WS & for what it's worth that was the greatest thing I've ever witnessed. As much as I love the Chiefs winning the WS is closest thing to SB I have.

So my hopes is Kelce can get some of that spark from Hosmer and he can get a SB ring himself and I can celebrate that too. That way I can have two favorites for both of my favorite teams winning Championships

Why people have to dis or discount that is beyond me?

[Sure-Oz]

Can't dog Hosmer or any solid Royals player winning it all. Ya I wish hos was a superstar but he's good

[gblowfish]

This was pretty classy today:

[RealSNR]

Also, anybody know what the deal is with Alex Rios? He's still a free agent after departing the team LAST season. I know he had a rough go, but surely he got his numbers back up enough to sign a cheap contract with even a shitty team, right? Some kind of injury/age thing where he just fell off the cliff or what?

[Chiefspants]

Originally Posted by RealSNR

Also, anybody know what the deal is with Alex Rios? He's still a free agent after departing the team LAST season. I know he had a rough go, but surely he got his numbers back up enough to sign a cheap contract with even a shitty team, right? Some kind of injury/age thing where he just fell off the cliff or what?

It's more that teams can rely on cheaper, cost controlled players (i.e. Orlando) to put up similar or better production.

Alex Rios seemed to save all of his 2015 mojo for some super clutch hits in the playoffs. That however, does not erase that he put up worse offensive numbers than Esky during the season... with far worse defense to go along with it.

[jettio]

Originally Posted by Chiefspants

It's more that teams can rely on cheaper, cost controlled players (i.e. Orlando) to put up similar or better production.

Alex Rios seemed to save all of his 2015 mojo for some super clutch hits in the playoffs. That however, does not erase that he put up worse offensive numbers than Esky during the season... with far worse defense to go along with it.

He was dialed in in 2015 spring training and was looking really hitterish until he got that HBP really early in the season. I think he would have had a big year if not for that.

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

Travis Kelce is the Eric Hosmer for the Chiefs

Eric Hosmer is my favorite Royal I think he is the coolest dude on Planet Earth.

Except Travis Kelce is better at football than Hosmer is at baseball.

RANKING IN WAR of QUALIFIED 1B
2016 - 14th out of 18
2015 - 9th out of 16
2014 - 16th out of 18

He's not even average at his position. It's really sad he can't play OF, because he has the athleticism and arm yet chooses to waste it at 1B.

[Rasputin]

Originally Posted by BWillie

Except Travis Kelce is better at football than Hosmer is at baseball.

RANKING IN WAR of QUALIFIED 1B
2016 - 14th out of 18
2015 - 9th out of 16
2014 - 16th out of 18

He's not even average at his position. It's really sad he can't play OF, because he has the athleticism and arm yet chooses to waste it at 1B.

JFHC dude how much of this do I have to explain?

Hosmer is my favorite ****ing baseball player that was clutch in helping the Royals win the 2015 World ****ing Series.

I mean ****ing ****itty **** ****itty **** ****s. Hosmer made plays when it matter the most he made plays during the season he made plays during the post season and he made plays in the World ****ing Series. Hosmer is a God to me so there is nothing anyone can say to discount his play for the Royals to win a ****ing World ****ing Series. Now it's my hope that Kelce can play to that standard of being clutch in the playoffs and end up winning us a ****ing Super ****ing Bowl.

Hosmer is my all time favorite baseball player I think he is the coolest dude on the planet.

Kelce is quickly becoming one of my favorite all time football players and that's a longer list than in baseball but he needs to make plays like Hosmer when it matters.


Yes this is a rant because Eric Hosmer isn't a second class baseball player he is Royalty.

[Rasputin]

Guess who has most RBIs in Royals post season surpassing the great George Brett?

Spoiler!

Eric Hosmer

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

Guess who has most RBIs in Royals post season surpassing the great George Brett?

Spoiler!

Eric Hosmer

Tony Cruz has more post-season hits and RBI than Mike Trout - what's your point?

Honestly, you sound like a pissed off 12 year old. We get it, Hosmer's your boy. But seriously, I've not seen this kind of panting adulation from anyone post-puberty...ever.

There's some interesting baseball conversation in here and all you want to do is run around like a groupie screaming "ERIC HOSMER IS THE DREAMIEST!!!"

Okay...have fun with that. But stop criticizing people that are speaking directly to his performance.