*** 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]

That Dyson catch in LF the day after Gordon went down with the groin injury was the most uplifting feeling ever. The loss of Gordon brought everyone down, then Dyson made that catch and we all knew we were going to be alright.

[sedated]

You guys are making me sad

[Chiefspants]

Originally Posted by C3HIEF3S

That Dyson catch in LF the day after Gordon went down with the groin injury was the most uplifting feeling ever. The loss of Gordon brought everyone down, then Dyson made that catch and we all knew we were going to be alright.

The inside the park homer he had the day Gordo went down was monumental for the entire fanbase.

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by C3HIEF3S

#Mariners with a second deal. Getting OF Jarrod Dyson from Kansas City for RHP Nathan Karns.

— Bob Dutton (@TNT_Mariners) January 6, 2017

hahahha i knew we were giving up

[BWillie]

I love Dyson, but I acknowledge a move like this was inevitable. It doesn't look like the FO thinks we are going to compete this year. If we are trading Dyson and Wade. Lets keep it going. Trade Hosmer, do it Dayton. You will get a HUGE return, from an overrated player (who we all love).

Disappointing we didn't get a better haul. This guy isn't a LEGIT #3. He just PROJECTS to a #3. But then again, we are getting alot of controllable years.

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by BWillie

hahahha i knew we were giving up

If they were giving up, they would have traded Dyson (and Davis) for the best prospects they could.

Trading a really valuable part time player for four years of a starting pitcher who improves your rotation on paper in 2017 is not giving up.


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[KCUnited]

I remember that time at the 810 Zone at Harrahs.

[DJ's left nut]

Hosmer for Cron would seem to make sense for both parties.

Hosmer's a little better player but Cron will also be in KC through 2020. And the Angels can't simply do nothing around Trout - it's goddamn irresponsible.

And while Cron isn't going to be a superstar, his upside is actually pretty similar to what Hosmer gave KC last season. And the marine layer does as much to dampen power in Anaheim as the park does in KC so his power numbers wouldn't change much moving to KC.

There's no reason that Cron couldn't give you 4 seasons at .270/.330/.450 w/ 20-25 HRs. He doesn't carry Hosmer's defensive reputation but he's fine at 1b. It's a deal they should really be looking into.

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by BWillie

Disappointing we didn't get a better haul. This guy isn't a LEGIT #3. He just PROJECTS to a #3. But then again, we are getting alot of controllable years.

Yes, but you also have absolutely no concept of trade value as you have demonstrated on numerous occasions.

So there's that.

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

If they were giving up, they would have traded Dyson (and Davis) for the best prospects they could.

Trading a really valuable part time player for four years of a starting pitcher who improves your rotation on paper in 2017 is not giving up.


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Well, they should have gave up. I wouldn't call this exactly a band aid, but they are clearly hoping to hit lightening in a bottle on one of these guys. It's pretty clear they don't think they will be competing for a World Series next year, though. I think they just want to be respectable and do a gradual rebuild without blowing it all up.

I would rather just have the prospects and go the Cubs route.

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

Hosmer for Cron would seem to make sense for both parties.

Hosmer's a little better player but Cron will also be in KC through 2020. And the Angels can't simply do nothing around Trout - it's goddamn irresponsible.

And while Cron isn't going to be a superstar, his upside is actually pretty similar to what Hosmer gave KC last season. And the marine layer does as much to dampen power in Anaheim as the park does in KC so his power numbers wouldn't change much moving to KC.

There's no reason that Cron couldn't give you 4 seasons at .270/.330/.450 w/ 20-25 HRs. He doesn't carry Hosmer's defensive reputation but he's fine at 1b. It's a deal they should really be looking into.

That move makes them worse in 2017, though, not better. Both the moves that have been made this off-season conceivably make them better right away.

They might move Hosmer, but I would be shocked if it happens before the trade deadline. And then, only if they're far out of the playoff hunt.


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[BWillie]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

Hosmer for Cron would seem to make sense for both parties.

Hosmer's a little better player but Cron will also be in KC through 2020. And the Angels can't simply do nothing around Trout - it's goddamn irresponsible.

And while Cron isn't going to be a superstar, his upside is actually pretty similar to what Hosmer gave KC last season. And the marine layer does as much to dampen power in Anaheim as the park does in KC so his power numbers wouldn't change much moving to KC.

There's no reason that Cron couldn't give you 4 seasons at .270/.330/.450 w/ 20-25 HRs. He doesn't carry Hosmer's defensive reputation but he's fine at 1b. It's a deal they should really be looking into.

Eat shit for the other comment.

But Hosmer to the Angels would be great. They have a shallow CF, and that is where Hosmer loves to mash the ball. Would be a great fit for them. I can't imagine the Angels would be dumb enough to make such a trade, though.

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

That move makes them worse in 2017, though, not better. Both the moves that have been made this off-season conceivably make them better right away.

They might move Hosmer, but I would be shocked if it happens before the trade deadline. And then, only if they're far out of the playoff hunt.


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Does it, though? And if so, is it enough to matter?

Pro-rate Cron's performance over the 650 PAs that the Royals routinely get from Hosmer. There's no reason why he can't be a 3.0 WAR player is there?

The issue is that it would seem to make them a little RH heavy for their power production. Especially if they have legit expectations of O'Brien. (Hey, I've got a lefty with pop you guys can have...)

But in terms of how much worse it makes them - maybe a game? Cron's a nice player and Hosmer's prolonged funks make him a little more sizzle than steak over a 162 game season.

Honestly, I'm not even sure the Halos would bite but if they would, I think it's a deal you'd really have to make.

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by BWillie

Well, they should have gave up. I wouldn't call this exactly a band aid, but they are clearly hoping to hit lightening in a bottle on one of these guys. It's pretty clear they don't think they will be competing for a World Series next year, though. I think they just want to be respectable and do a gradual rebuild without blowing it all up.



I would rather just have the prospects and go the Cubs route.

Based on what?

The Royals just moved a part time player for a pitcher who, if he gives them 2 WAR like he gave Tampa in 2015, is a major upgrade and major factor in improving their playoff odds.

Look at the starting pitchers that are available on the FA market. I'd take Karns over any of them, and certainly over guys like Ivan Nova.

I had talked a while back about getting Jherel Cotton or Mengden for Dyson, Karns falls into that category. That's a nice upgrade that improves the team immediately.

Every move they've mad so far has been that of a team that is trying to contend now but also balance that against being good moving forward.


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[WhawhaWhat]

A favorite Jarrod Dyson story, co-starring Dick Kaegel: pic.twitter.com/jNVVpJfvZg

— Sam Mellinger (@mellinger) January 6, 2017