*** 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 Mother****erJones

What is Dyson's value?

As for the Astros and Duffy, those ****ers are playing the cheap drum. They're doing it with Quintana. Not sure what the Sox are asking for him but Jeff Passan said they were getting offers of about 95% of what they got for Sale.

That's a stuff thing.

Quintana's effective but he's more of a smoke and mirrors lefty. Teams are notoriously skittish about guys like that in October. Every GM in baseball would prefer a power arm at the top of the rotation if they can get him come playoff baseball.

So while Quintana's performance has been anywhere from almost as good to slightly better than Sale's (depending on who you ask) and his contract is better, folks that are acquiring these guys are doing so with an eye on October and in October most organizations are looking for guys that can get it inside at 96 mph and sting those cold hands.

Maybe the right, maybe they're wrong. But it still shrinks the pool a bit and thus the quality of the offer you'll get.

[Fansy the Famous Bard]

If the Sox are able to trade Quintana as well, they should get a haul. His contract (much like Sale's) is an absolute bargain... and it's got 2 team options extending through 2020. I think next season he is only due like $7 mil. To put in perspective, that's less than we're paying Ian Kennedy... By Half.

That is sexy.

[Mother****erJones]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

That's a stuff thing.

Quintana's effective but he's more of a smoke and mirrors lefty. Teams are notoriously skittish about guys like that in October. Every GM in baseball would prefer a power arm at the top of the rotation if they can get him come playoff baseball.

So while Quintana's performance has been anywhere from almost as good to slightly better than Sale's (depending on who you ask) and his contract is better, folks that are acquiring these guys are doing so with an eye on October and in October most organizations are looking for guys that can get it inside at 96 mph and sting those cold hands.

Maybe the right, maybe they're wrong. But it still shrinks the pool a bit and thus the quality of the offer you'll get.

Smoke and mirrors is completely false IMO. He's very good but just doesn't go deep enough into games. But he's consistent and smooth. He never got any recognition because he's had like 57 no decisions since 2012 man. That's ****ing crazy.

I also have always liked Q over Sale because he's more level headed and can work out of jams better than Sale. Q has big brass balls and isn't afraid of anything. Quintana is my favorite Sox player since Konerko retired.

[Mother****erJones]

Originally Posted by fahrenheit

If the Sox are able to trade Quintana as well, they should get a haul. His contract (much like Sale's) is an absolute bargain... and it's got 2 team options extending through 2020. I think next season he is only due like $7 mil. To put in perspective, that's less than we're paying Ian Kennedy... By Half.

That is sexy.

While Rick Hahn has sucked at free agency, even though his moves weren't bad they just didn't work out, he makes up for it with his ability to lock up players to team-friendly deals. That alone has helped reshape the franchise. The contracts Sale, Eaton and Quintana are on is incredible. The Sox have a new draft philosophy and Kenny Williams has taken a back seat finally. So they should be better going forward. Now, who knows how these prospects will work out. But I'm just glad they FINALLY picked a direction and will let Hahn do his job.

[Prison Bitch]

Originally Posted by Mother****erJones

his moves weren't bad they just didn't work out,.

[Mother****erJones]

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

It's the honest truth. They were praised nationally year in year out. FAs just suck when they get to Chicago lol (Dunn, Samardzija, LaRoche). However, Abreu, Melky and Robertson have been alright. Of course they have to overpay because it's free agency.




I'm just curious what the consensus from Royals fans is in terms of payroll and not spending this year?

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by Mother****erJones

Smoke and mirrors is completely false IMO. He's very good but just doesn't go deep enough into games. But he's consistent and smooth. He never got any recognition because he's had like 57 no decisions since 2012 man. That's ****ing crazy.

I also have always liked Q over Sale because he's more level headed and can work out of jams better than Sale. Q has big brass balls and isn't afraid of anything. Quintana is my favorite Sox player since Konerko retired.

He throws 92 and has plus command with a K/9 of less than 8. His SIERA, FIP AND xFIP are all a fair amount higher than his actual ERA which absolutely suggests he's a guy that's getting it done via strand rates and well-timed soft contact (as your 'gets out of jams better' comments notes). He's not overpowering guys

He's not Jamie Moyer but he's damn sure not Chris Sale in that regard. He's not a stuff lefty at all. He is a finesse lefty.

**** me you're defensive. No wonder you get your ass tossed from these threads.

[Mother****erJones]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

He throws 92 and has plus command with a K/9 of less than 8. His SIERA, FIP AND xFIP are all a fair amount higher than his actual ERA which absolutely suggests he's a guy that's getting it done via strand rates and well-timed soft contact (as your 'gets out of jams better' comments notes). He's not overpowering guys

He's not Jamie Moyer but he's damn sure not Chris Sale in that regard. He's not a stuff lefty at all. He is a finesse lefty.

**** me you're defensive. No wonder you get your ass tossed from these threads.

I'm not defensive I just think Quintana is underrated. I'm not saying he's worth what we got for Sale but it's gota be somewhere in the ball park because of his production, age and contract.

The reason I like him over Sale is that Sale would get flustered after giving up a run or two and would pitch "angry" and blow up. Sale even said as much before that he needs to stop pitching angry at times. I just love Quintana's consistency and calm demeanor.

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-p...o-be-sky-high/

[Prison Bitch]

Originally Posted by Mother****erJones

FAs just suck when they get to Chicago lol

I agree, that's funny.

I'm just curious what the consensus from Royals fans is in terms of payroll and not spending this year?

I think a much better question from Sux fans in terms of payroll is: how much have y'all wasted compared to KC?

2016: Sux: 99M Royals: 113M (Wins: 78 vs. 81)
2015: Sux: 115M Royals: 113M (Wins: 76 vs. 95)
2014: Sux: 92M Royals: 92M (Wins: 73 vs 89)
2013: Sux: 119M Royals: 81M (Wins: 63 vs 86)

AVG: Sux: 106M Royals: 100M (72 vs. 88)

http://www.stevetheump.com/Payrolls.htm#2013_payroll

[Mother****erJones]

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

I agree, that's funny.




I think a much better question from Sux fans in terms of payroll is: how much have y'all wasted compared to KC?

2016: Sux: 99M Royals: 113M (Wins: 78 vs. 81)
2015: Sux: 115M Royals: 113M (Wins: 76 vs. 95)
2014: Sux: 92M Royals: 92M (Wins: 73 vs 89)
2013: Sux: 119M Royals: 81M (Wins: 63 vs 86)

AVG: Sux: 106M Royals: 100M (72 vs. 88)

http://www.stevetheump.com/Payrolls.htm#2013_payroll

The Sox haven't signed a FA to a $100 million contract yet believe it or not. Abreu is the largest at $68 million and has been worth it, even with his atrocious defense. The year the Sox won the world series (2005) the payroll was $75,228,000-13th highest payroll. It's not my money they spend. At least they try and that's all I can ask for.

[Sure-Oz]

When do the meetings end tonight? Does Dyson get traded?

[Mother****erJones]

Originally Posted by Sure-Oz

When do the meetings end tonight? Does Dyson get traded?

Yes, they end today and they had the rule 5 draft. They leave this afternoon IIRC.

[sedated]

Originally Posted by Mother****erJones

I'm just curious what the consensus from Royals fans is in terms of payroll and not spending this year?

What kind of reeruned question is that? Doesn't every fan base wish their owner would spend more? Push payroll to $300 million for all I care.

[Prison Bitch]

It's also a dumb question since our payroll will be high again this year, prob close to the median, and much higher than his team's.

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by Mother****erJones

It's the honest truth. They were praised nationally year in year out. FAs just suck when they get to Chicago lol (Dunn, Samardzija, LaRoche). However, Abreu, Melky and Robertson have been alright. Of course they have to overpay because it's free agency.

I'm just curious what the consensus from Royals fans is in terms of payroll and not spending this year?

If they're actually not increasing payroll - or, even worse, trimming - it's a tragedy. Without explanation. Inexcusable. Glass regressing significantly in his ability to balance short-term profit with long-term value.

They should spend intelligently. Not wildly... but intelligently.

---

Speaking of that, here's an outside-the-box idea that sprung up while checking out MLB Trade rumors...

The Mets are desperate to unload Jay Bruce. They want relief help. They aren't willing to take on Bruce's salary to dump him for prospects.

I'd propose swapping Joakim Soria - who, while he blew several games last year, still stacks up favorably in overall results and yearly salary with most of the guys remaining on the free agent market - for Bruce.

Now, that means taking on additional 2017 payroll - Bruce is making $13 million, vs. $8 million for Soria. But you still come out $5 million ahead over the next two years + Soria's buyout.

Plus, the Royals have trimmed some payroll in swapping Davis for Soler.

It would reduce some of KC's flexibility with the DH - basically, one of Cain, Bruce, Gordon or Soler would be DHing every day, and you'd need more Cain in CF... but it sure might help the offense to add a LH bat who has been very good against RHP in his career - .872 OPS last season, .817 over his career.

I don't love Bruce by himself, but 400 ABs of .800+ OPS against righthanders is intriguing when paired with dumping Soria's contract.