*** 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.

[C3HIEF3S]

.

Originally Posted by Sure-Oz

http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/k...senthal-021917

Hosmer talking extension, but prepared for breakup of Royals’ core

SURPRISE, Az. — He wants to stay. All of the Royals’ potential free agents want to stay. But as first baseman Eric Hosmer puts it, “I realize what hand Dayton was dealt.”

Which isn’t to say that “Dayton” — Royals general manager Dayton Moore — is conceding that he will lose Hosmer, the most coveted of the four Royals players entering their walk years.

Hosmer said Sunday that he, his agent Scott Boras and the Royals are discussing a contract extension, but indicated that he will test free agency if the sides do not strike a deal by Opening Day.

The 10 biggest moves of the MLB offseason
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“I don’t know if it’s going to heat up now in spring training,” Hosmer said. “But during the season, I don’t like being bothered with that stuff. If something doesn’t happen here, I don’t see anything during the season really happening.”

Hosmer added, “It’s hard to make it to free agency. It’s a right that every player earns if they make it that far. We are talking about certain extensions, stuff like that. But the way I see it right now, I just want to make it that far. And if I do make it that far without signing anything, I feel like I deserve that right to see what’s out on the market.

“It’s not cutting this place out completely. It’s earning the right to see what else is out there, seeing my options, seeing what would be the best possible situation for me.”

MLB: Spring Training-Kansas City Royals at Milwaukee Brewers

Players become eligible for free agency by attaining six years of major-league service. Hosmer would hit the market at 28, a relatively young age for a free agent, and likely be the most attractive first baseman available; the Indians’ Carlos Santana, who probably is next on the list, is 2½ years older than Hosmer and last season was more of a DH.

Two of the Royals’ other potential free agents, third baseman Mike Moustakas and center fielder Lorenzo Cain, said they were not engaged in extension talks with the club.

The other Royals player entering his walk year, shortstop Alcides Escobar, is less of a priority; his career .297 on-base percentage would put him in the least demand, and Raul Mondesi looms as an internal replacement.

The players know that they cannot all stay in Kansas City – Cain said the chance was “slim to none.” The Royals could trade Hosmer if they fail to sign him by Opening Day and fall out of contention by the non-waiver deadline, perhaps increasing the possibility that they would keep one or more of the others.

“We as an organization have a strong desire to extend Eric,” Moore said. “We’re confident in his desire to be here in Kansas City. As with him and all our players, we’ll work as hard as we can to execute a deal.”

PI-MLB-Royals-PG-Dayton-Moore-Indians-60415

The issue, almost certainly, will be length of contract.

Prince Fielder, entering his age 28 season, signed a nine-year, $214 million free-agent deal with the Tigers in Jan. 2012. Less than four months later, Joey Votto signed a 10-year, $225 million extension with the Reds covering his age 30 to 39 seasons.

Hosmer isn’t nearly as accomplished offensively as either of those players was, but the Royals anticipate that he will seek a 10-year deal, knowing that a number of high-revenue clubs — including the Red Sox, Mets and Phillies — could seek a first baseman next off-season.

“We all know that Hos is a franchise player, a world champion. He’s done all this at a very young age,” Boras said. “And I don’t know how many people have told me that if a guy hits 25 home runs in Kansas City, he’s going to hit 35 somewhere else.

“Dayton has known Hos since he was 16 years old, as I have. We all know who he is. We all know what he means to a team, his leadership of a club in the now and in the future.

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“This is really an ownership question. I think every baseball person there wants to commit to Hos for a long time. He’s earned every bit of respect through his performance and his leadership. I think it’s really about the owners trying to place a franchise player in Kansas City.”

The Royals, under owner David Glass, ended last season with a $177.2 million payroll for their 40-man roster, the ninth highest in the majors. But Moore, facing budgetary restrictions, traded two of the team’s potential free agents during the off-season, closer Wade Davis and outfielder Jarrod Dyson, before re-signing another, left-hander Danny Duffy, to a five-year, $65 million extension.

Two others who contributed to the Royals’ 2015 World Series title, right-hander Edinson Volquez and designated hitter Kendrys Morales, departed as free agents. The team later signed free-agent pitchers Jason Hammel and Travis Wood after the tragic loss of righty Yordano Ventura, who died in an automobile accident on Jan. 22.

“I just think if it was up to Dayton, he would have kept every single guy here, would have loved to have every guy here for the rest of our careers,” Hosmer said. “Obviously, it’s not working out like that.

Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
“There are some key guys that we lost. ‘Dys’ was obviously a key guy in the clubhouse, a big part of the attitude of our team. He’s the one who instilled that in all of us. We lost Volquez and Morales, who were big parts of our team.”

The question, as Boras said, is how far Glass is willing to extend the team financially — for Hosmer, and for the Royals’ other potential free agents as well.

The Royals are coming off the two largest season attendances in their history — 2.71 million in 2015, 2.56 million in ’16. Their local television revenues, worth a reported $20 million annually, also figure to grow in the future.

The Royals led the majors in local ratings the past two seasons — their 12.3 rating in ’15 was the highest in baseball for a regional sports network since the Mariners drew a 13.2 in 2002 – and their current deal with FOX Sports Kansas City expires after the 2019 season.

Increases in revenues lead to decreases in the amount of revenue-sharing money that the Royals receive from Major League Baseball. But clearly, the franchise moved into a stronger financial position with its back-to-back World Series appearances in 2014 and ’15. The team’s renewed success not only electrified Kansas City, but also solidified the players’ bond with the community.

MLB: ALDS-Kansas City Royals at Los Angeles Angels

“Everybody’s dream is to play for one team, to have one jersey in your career and just be linked to that organization – especially when you look at not only on the field but character-wise off the field,” Hosmer said. “It means you’ve done everything right. It means you’ve set good examples for everyone in your community and for your organization.

“There’s no better feeling than giving back to the organization, giving back to the community that kind of saw you as a young guy, a young prospect, and basically watched you develop into a professional and maybe even a veteran player.”

The ties run deep. Moustakas and Hosmer were the Royals’ respective first-round picks in 2007 and ’08. Cain and Escobar arrived from the Brewers in a trade for Zack Greinke trade in ’10.

They’ve won together. They mourned together after Moustakas, Volquez and right-hander Chris Young lost parents in ’15, and again after the passing of Ventura. They all offer lavish praise for Moore, listing him among the reasons they want to stay with the Royals.

Moustakas said, “I’d do anything for Dayton.”

Hosmer added, “If there’s one GM that I could play for the rest of my career, it would be Dayton, hands down.”

Cain said simply, “He’s the man.”

One reason that the players revere Moore is that he encourages them to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. Those decisions are coming. But first, the Royals will focus on other business.

One more season. One last hurrah.

Someone paste article please

[Hootie]

Infante is still a Royal?! What in the ****

[Buehler445]

Originally Posted by Romosexual

Infante is still a Royal?! What in the ****

His salary is guaranteed. It won't do anything to cut him.

[tk13]

Originally Posted by KCCHIEFS27

Just an example of how "serious" the royals are about Gordon in CF comes this bit of info from the tigers spring training. They are giving Infante some work in center this spring haha

I have to imagine at 35 he can't cover the ground he used to... but people forget his first 7-8 years in the league he was a super utility man. He's played CF before. He's played just about every position on the field. I bet he can do it. The Tigers don't seem to get too hung up on defense anyway. The question is will his bat hold up.

[tk13]

I have always thought they are more likely to let Moose and Cain walk and go after Hosmer... the way that article reads, it sounds like it. Unless Moose/Cain are being coy about not having contract talks. Only catch is Hosmer will probably want the biggest contract of the three.

[Lex Luthor]

Originally Posted by tk13

I have always thought they are more likely to let Moose and Cain walk and go after Hosmer... the way that article reads, it sounds like it. Unless Moose/Cain are being coy about not having contract talks. Only catch is Hosmer will probably want the biggest contract of the three.

I'd rather see them keep Moose. I think Moose's best years are ahead of him.

[tk13]

Originally Posted by Lex Luthor

I'd rather see them keep Moose. I think Moose's best years are ahead of him.

I think you're not at all alone in that opinion. Especially with Hosmer's long swing and streaky hitting. I think it would go a long way toward 2018-2020 for Dayton sign one of the two.

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by Buehler445

His salary is guaranteed. It won't do anything to cut him.

You guys are ****ing kidding, right?

Dude got cut last JUNE.

[Buehler445]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

You guys are ****ing kidding, right?

Dude got cut last JUNE.

Ah ****. My bad. Romo was probably joking. I missed it. Not that I give half a **** about Outfante.

[Pitt Gorilla]

Originally Posted by Buehler445

Ah ****. My bad. Romo was probably joking. I missed it. Not that I give half a **** about Outfante.

He plays for the Tigers, as was previously noted in this thread.

[KChiefs1]

Originally Posted by Lex Luthor

I'd rather see them keep Moose. I think Moose's best years are ahead of him.

My order would be...
Moose
Hosmer
Cain
Escobar


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[Fansy the Famous Bard]

Originally Posted by KChiefs1

My order would be...
Moose
Hosmer
Cain
Escobar


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My order would be:

Moose.

The others do no have the worth (to KC in the future) what they are going to make in FA.

[KChiefs1]

Originally Posted by fahrenheit

My order would be:

Moose.

The others do no have the worth (to KC in the future) what they are going to make in FA.

I agree that Hosmer's worth will be overinflated but he is the leader of the clubhouse & that's worth something extra. Cain probably only has 2-3 more good years in him & he'll be looking for a longer contract than that.



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[suzzer99]

Hosmer also is a guy you want when you get to the playoffs.

[dlphg9]

Originally Posted by suzzer99

Hosmer also is a guy you want when you get to the playoffs.

He was shit in the playoffs in 2015