*** 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.

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by Chiefspants

DJ you need to spend more of your time here.

I get yelled at a lot.

We have a common purpose right now (the winter meetings are FAP time for me) but invariably I'll say something like "Eric Hosmer is Mark Grace's far douchier cousin" and people will freak out.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

I get yelled at a lot.

We have a common purpose right now (the winter meetings are FAP time for me) but invariably I'll say something like "Eric Hosmer is Mark Grace's far douchier cousin" and people will freak out.

Take that back you bitch!!!!!

[Prison Bitch]

Originally Posted by Mother****erJones

We'll see. Prospects are prospects man that's all I'll say. He has huge talent no doubt. Just going to be fun when we got Tim Anderson and Yoan Moncada manning the middle of their defense (SS and 2B)

I can just see it now: Sux race out to an early lead in 2019. Collapse middle of May. M'effingJones suddenly disappears from Royals threads.

[Mother****erJones]

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

I can just see it now: Sux race out to an early lead in 2019. Collapse middle of May. M'effingJones suddenly disappears from Royals threads.

They sucked ass. Don't worry. The Royals are going to be awful next year when everyone leaves, so enjoy it now. People got mad that I'd come in and post, so I stopped and was banned from Royals threads anyways. So quit your crying pussy. It's not like I can't take the shit talking. They suck. Is what it is.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by Mother****erJones

They sucked ass. Don't worry. The Royals are going to be awful next year when everyone leaves, so enjoy it now. People got mad that I'd come in and post, so I stopped and was banned from Royals threads anyways. So quit your crying pussy. It's not like I can't take the shit talking. They suck. Is what it is.

You were banned because you don't know how to objectively talk baseball. It's the equivalent of me talking shit on the Cardinals, when they aren't doing well or we beat them, and then not posting relevant information when they are doing well.

[Mother****erJones]

Originally Posted by lewdog

You were banned because you don't know how to objectively talk baseball. It's the equivalent of me talking shit on the Cardinals, when they aren't doing well or we beat them, and then not posting relevant information when they are doing well.

Ya whatever you say bud. Good luck to the Royals this season. They should go undefeated against the Sox lol.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by Mother****erJones

Ya whatever you say bud. Good luck to the Royals this season. They should go undefeated against the Sox lol.

I'm just telling you what you don't seem to understand.

I personally don't have a problem with it. I can ignore or shit talk anyone on here if I need.

I like all the moves the Sox have made. Great haul they are making. It's how to re-tool and they are doing it well.

[Mother****erJones]

Originally Posted by lewdog

I'm just telling you what you don't seem to understand.

I personally don't have a problem with it. I can ignore or shit talk anyone on here if I need.

I like all the moves the Sox have made. Great haul they are making. It's how to re-tool and they are doing it well.

I have asked questions and have been told to **** off, so I've trolled at times. But all in good fun. I know the white sox deep down are shit. Last season, like every national media pundit, thought they'd compete for that WC game. Just hasn't worked at all with $5 bin walmart shopping like LaRoche and Navarro. Now, they did spend on Melky and Robertson who have been alright at times. Robertson dealt with a knee injury last season and wouldn't be a bad option for some team looking for a cheaper alternative to Chapman and Jansen.

On a serious note, what are your thoughts on the Royals and what they should do with the contract year guys? Just as a Sox fan, ya'll should be a lot better by getting healthier. Herrera should be fine at closer?

Your thoughts on Soler? He needs to stay healthy and he could really be a force. I think KC can compete with Cleveland and Detroit and I admire Moore's creativity. Just not sure about your rotation.


I just have to hope the Sox are ready to compete in 3 seasons. That's about the timeline with these guys. Take lumps for 2 years and hopefully get the number one pick and land a generational talented hitter. I've wanted a blow up rebuild for awhile now. So well see.

[WilliamTheIrish]

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

This board sucks Dorsey's dick hard who hasn't won shit yet gets pissed at Dayton who has actually won shit.

Not all of them. Just the usual suspects. It's ****ing hilarious.

Even better is the 50% of forearm issues =TJ.

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

I get yelled at a lot.

We have a common purpose right now (the winter meetings are FAP time for me) but invariably I'll say something like "Eric Hosmer is Mark Grace's far douchier cousin" and people will freak out.

CP baseball threads are = ownage. Lot of great discussion and I find myself in a lot of good and challenging baseball conversations (you, hamas, PB, too many guys to name in the Royals threads, even the guest stars from random teams).

It's weird that it happens on a Chiefs board, but I like it just the same.

I probably would have gone apoplectic today without being pushed to look at Soler more closely by you ... and I haven't done that since at least the Aaron Crow - Daniel Nava dust up (the 6th is Aaron's inning), and possibly the Myers-Shields trade.

[Al Bundy]

I like the trade.

[Go Royals]

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

CP baseball threads are = ownage. Lot of great discussion and I find myself in a lot of good and challenging baseball conversations (you, hamas, PB, too many guys to name in the Royals threads, even the guest stars from random teams).

It's weird that it happens on a Chiefs board, but I like it just the same.

I probably would have gone apoplectic today without being pushed to look at Soler more closely by you ... and I haven't done that since at least the Aaron Crow - Daniel Nava dust up (the 6th is Aaron's inning), and possibly the Myers-Shields trade.

This is easily the best thread on the Planet

[Pitt Gorilla]

Originally Posted by lewdog

I'm just telling you what you don't seem to understand.

I personally don't have a problem with it. I can ignore or shit talk anyone on here if I need.

I like all the moves the Sox have made. Great haul they are making. It's how to re-tool and they are doing it well.

This. It has to feel pretty awesome to see your team pulling in stud prospects.

[C3HIEF3S]

Originally Posted by Mother****erJones

On a serious note, what are your thoughts on the Royals and what they should do with the contract year guys? Just as a Sox fan, ya'll should be a lot better by getting healthier. Herrera should be fine at closer?

Duffy should be extended, and I think he will before March without a problem.
Of Moose/Cain/Hosmer:
Moose is by far my go-to of these three, put whatever we can into keeping him here.
Cain is too old and has had far too many injuries to throw money at long-term.

This is entirely my opinion, but Hosmer can walk right the hell to New York or LA for all I care. Whatever any team pays him is going to be too much. Not because he is a bad guy, not because he isn't a key part of the clubhouse, he just isn't that great of a Major League first baseman. He can be great, but we've been thinking that for four years now. Luckily for KC, Hosmer decides to shine at the most-convenient of times. From April to September, however, it's just you average streaky ball player.

My $0.02.

EDIT: And to add, I don't care about Hosmer's 25 home runs last year. The entire ****ing league hit a stupid amount of home runs last year.

Posted this a while back, but just look at this bullshit and try to convince me that there hasn't been something up since Manfred took over:

[TambaBerry]

Astros are interested in duffy...