*** 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.

[Great Expectations]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

This is what butthurt begets, Great Expectations...

Sorry, but I'll still refrain from the name calling. I must have struck a nerve. As I said earlier, if we were somewhere hanging out we'd probably be friends. I've lived around a ton of condescending Cardinal fans and it can be tough to listen to them tell us how bad we are. Obviously I'm in the vast minority here so I'll drop it and move on.

[KChiefs1]

Originally Posted by Great Expectations

Sorry, but I'll still refrain from the name calling. I must have struck a nerve. As I said earlier, if we were somewhere hanging out we'd probably be friends. I've lived around a ton of condescending Cardinal fans and it can be tough to listen to them tell us how bad we are. Obviously I'm in the vast minority here so I'll drop it and move on.

You aren't the only one...I reside in Mid-MO which is about 75/25 Cardinals country & I understand how condescending they can be.

I've been filling my car up with gas & had douchebag Cardinals fans drive by & yell the Royals suck.

Can't stand the ****ers even though a few of them are decent.


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[C3HIEF3S]

Cuthbert In Crowded Mix for Second Base Job

By Jeffrey Flanagan / MLB.com

Spoiler!

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The prevailing offseason assumption was the Royals' second-base job was up for grabs among Whit Merrifield, Christian Colon and Raul Mondesi.

But manager Ned Yost isn't about to leave another name out.
"You might as well throw Cheslor Cuthbert in there as well," Yost said. "He's worked very hard at that position."


The Royals are trying to rationalize a roster spot for Cuthbert, who filled in for an injured Mike Moustakas last season at third base and hit .274 with 12 home runs and 46 RBIs in 128 games. But Moustakas is healthy and will reclaim his job at third.

Whit Merrifield discusses the competition for second base and his hopes for earning the job. And that leaves Cuthbert without a spot, particularly since the Royals also acquired Brandon Moss in the offseason to serve primarily as the DH. Further complicating matters is that Cuthbert is out of options. Thus, the Royals are hoping Cuthbert can increase his versatility, which would justify him taking the 25th spot on the roster.
Cuthbert has worked at second base off and on over the past few years. But he did so more intensely this offseason.

"The minute the season ended last year, I came down here for instructional league," Cuthbert said. "I worked for about 10 days to two weeks just at second base."

Cuthbert, 24, also arrived in camp early to continue that work at second base.
"He's athletic and has good hands," Yost said. "He can do this." Cuthbert also believes he could transition into a second baseman. "It's different," Cuthbert said. "The angles are different. The throws are different. But I can do it. It just takes more work." If there is an area of the job that Cuthbert can improve upon, it's his range. Unlike at third base, playing second base requires covering much more real estate. "At third, it's just mostly reaction," Cuthbert said. "At second, you have to move around more."

Cuthbert will have the next six weeks to impress Yost and the coaching staff.
"We're looking for someone who can field ground balls and turn double plays, and get hits," Yost said, smiling. "That's it. That's what we want."

Cuthbert knows that the only way he has a major role on the 2017 team is if he can force himself into the second base mix. Nice to know he could see that all the way at the end of last season. If he can just be serviceable in the field, that would relieve a lot of the anxiety I currently have about the second base position for this season. Sounds like he really worked his ass off this off-season. I am personally pulling for him to make that transition. Having Cuthbert getting everyday AB's and then letting Whit fill in almost literally wherever we need him to would be very nice.

[Hootie]

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

That started as a Hootie defense mechanism actually. True story: when I'd use stats to call out his takes, he said he "watched way more baseball"

Riiight.

I know who the regulars are. You never once chimed in during a GDT ... the regulars? We watched every game. You, like DJ's Left Nut, read fangraphs and pretend like you know more than the ones actually watching. Embarrassing, really.

[CoMoChief]

It sucks that Colon hasn't amounted to shit in the MLB. Wasted 1st rd pick in 2010.

Should've drafted Matt Harvey or Chris Sale.

Yes and I understand he came through clutch in the playoffs a couple times for KC but Harvey or Sale could have done so as well.

[BlackHelicopters]

Even in SWMO Royals fans are outnumbered 3-1. Frustrating. My father raised us to be Royals fans from the day we were born. Hell, I remember Municipal Stadium. People wear their Cardinal gear to church.

[duncan_idaho]

If Cuthbert really can hold his own defensively - and to his credit, we know he will work very hard at it - that really deepens the lineup and makes it pretty dangerous.

Gordon
Soler
Hosmer
Cain
Moustakas
Perez
Moss
Cuthbert
Escobar

Is a pretty strong 1-9 with no easy outs really anywhere within, and good power up and down the lineup.

15-20 HR
20-30 HR
15-20 HR
12-17 HR
20-30 HR
20-25 HR
20-30 HR
10-20 HR
And Escobar.

That's around 150 HR from your starting lineup on the LOW end of those targets for everyone, and could approach 200 if everyone reaches potential.


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[siberian khatru]

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

If Cuthbert really can hold his own defensively - and to his credit, we know he will work very hard at it - that really deepens the lineup and makes it pretty dangerous.

I remain EXTREMELY skeptical that Cuthbert is capable of starting at 2B. I just don't think you become a competent defender at 2B after spending two weeks working with Rafael Belliard.

However, I do see them hoping that he's capable of playing a few innings there in a pinch, increasing his versatility to the team to solve a roster crunch (and perhaps improving his trade value as well).

So it wouldn't surprise me to see them send down Merrifield and Mondesi, who both have options remaining, and keep Colon and Cuthbert, who don't, with the idea of starting Colon at 2B and giving Cuthbert some DH duty against LHPs. Colon can play SS in a pinch if Esky gets hurt, and Cuthbert can replace Colon at 2B; the next day, they can call up Merrifield or Mondesi if needed.

[Prison Bitch]

Originally Posted by Romosexual

Riiight.

I know who the regulars are. You never once chimed in during a GDT ... the regulars? We watched every game. You, like DJ's Left Nut, read fangraphs and pretend like you know more than the ones actually watching. Embarrassing, really.

Statistical analysis prevents you from posting weird sports takes that have no basis whatsoever in reality. (Lithium also helps). It's good for running daily fantasy games too Ive heard.

[Chiefspants]

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

If Cuthbert really can hold his own defensively - and to his credit, we know he will work very hard at it - that really deepens the lineup and makes it pretty dangerous.

Gordon
Soler
Hosmer
Cain
Moustakas
Perez
Moss
Cuthbert
Escobar

Is a pretty strong 1-9 with no easy outs really anywhere within, and good power up and down the lineup.

15-20 HR
20-30 HR
15-20 HR
12-17 HR
20-30 HR
20-25 HR
20-30 HR
10-20 HR
And Escobar.

That's around 150 HR from your starting lineup on the LOW end of those targets for everyone, and could approach 200 if everyone reaches potential.


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Keep in ming that Hos also belted 26 homers last year. I'd put him at 20-30 without a second thought. If our offense beasts like 2015, then this team is much closer to a division champion than the .500 team we had last year.

[Titty Meat]

Originally Posted by C3HIEF3S

How is that shitty?

They pride themselves in being close with the community yet cover up the biggest piece of news for the biggest tragedy that's hit in along time. All it does is fuel speculation and takes away from a valuable learning experience. When DT died how many people around the area startred using their seatbelt?

[Chiefspants]

Originally Posted by BigMeatballBillay

They pride themselves in being close with the community yet cover up the biggest piece of news for the biggest tragedy that's hit in along time. All it does is fuel speculation and takes away from a valuable learning experience. When DT died how many people around the area startred using their seatbelt?

Or they're simply respecting the wishes of his family.

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

I remain EXTREMELY skeptical that Cuthbert is capable of starting at 2B. I just don't think you become a competent defender at 2B after spending two weeks working with Rafael Belliard.

However, I do see them hoping that he's capable of playing a few innings there in a pinch, increasing his versatility to the team to solve a roster crunch (and perhaps improving his trade value as well).

So it wouldn't surprise me to see them send down Merrifield and Mondesi, who both have options remaining, and keep Colon and Cuthbert, who don't, with the idea of starting Colon at 2B and giving Cuthbert some DH duty against LHPs. Colon can play SS in a pinch if Esky gets hurt, and Cuthbert can replace Colon at 2B; the next day, they can call up Merrifield or Mondesi if needed.

I am, too. The only way he could stick at 2B, IMO, is if they're playing him really deep to make up for his lack of natural range. He does have a good first step due to his experience at 3B.

Jon Schoop of the O's does this, and has basically been a league-average defender at 2B. Biggest question is if you can make the turn and get to the bag from your deep position.

I think they can find a lot of PT for Cuthbert regardless. Basically, he should start any time a lefty pitches, either at 3B or DH. With Moustakas sitting, or Moss/Gordon/Hosmer sitting.

If Gordon or Hosmer sit, Moss plays that position and Cuthbert DHs.

That should be good for 40-50 starts all by itself.


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[SPchief]

Originally Posted by BigMeatballBillay

They pride themselves in being close with the community yet cover up the biggest piece of news for the biggest tragedy that's hit in along time. All it does is fuel speculation and takes away from a valuable learning experience. When DT died how many people around the area startred using their seatbelt?

1. They aren't keeping it quiet IIRC The Dominican is.
2. It'll leak, it always does.
3. Does it really matter?

[Prison Bitch]

What's so great about Cuthberts bat? 94 wRC+ was same as Dyson, whom everyone in here rants about being overrated and "exposed" the longer he's in the lineup. Obv Cuthbert is young and his aging curve suggests he will be league Avg this year but let's not call him Robbie Alomar just yet. Whit Merrified was at 89 wRC+


So let's talk about that defense. Whit was outstanding, saving 10 runs over a full season. Cuthbert -7 at 3B. How was that constructed? It was all range, all -7 runs. His arm (which looks great from the eye test) was neutral value.


Whit? All his fielding value came from, yup, his range. Also shows up in his good baserunning stats. Cuthbert has poor baserunning stats.


Net: Cuthbert likely has no ability to play 2B, he won't get to many balls, we WILL give up runs that he is doubtful to replicate at the plate, and Whit gives you what he does if 2016 happens again for both