5 question facing the Royals in 2021
KANSAS CITY -- Royals general manager Dayton Moore vowed to be more “transactional” this offseason. And so far, he has lived up to that pledge, signing outfielder Michael A. Taylor, closer Greg Holland, first baseman Carlos Santana, and starting pitchers Mike Minor and Ervin Santana (Minor League deal). So where
KANSAS CITY -- Royals general manager Dayton Moore vowed to be more “transactional” this offseason. And so far, he has lived up to that pledge, signing outfielder
So where does that leave the Royals, who now clearly feel they are ready to compete again in the American League Central.
Here are five questions surrounding the Royals entering 2021:
1. Will the Royals sign anyone else?
Moore told MLB.com recently they are still interested in acquiring a left-handed bat. That likely will be a left fielder.
2. How will the rotation look?
3. Where does
Junis has been an inconsistent starter in his career with the Royals. And the organization has long believed that Junis might be more effective as a short reliever. Matheny said Junis will be stretched out in camp, simply because the Royals need depth for the rotation. But my guess is that Junis eventually will become part of what’s becoming a shutdown bullpen, with Holland,
4. What will the batting order look like?
Merrifield and
1. Whit Merrifield RF
2. Adalberto Mondesi SS
3.
4.
5. Hunter Dozier 3B
6. Carlos Santana 1B
7. Franchy Cordero LF
8. Michael A. Taylor CF
9.
5. Who will be part of the next wave of young pitching prospects to surface?
The consensus among Royals officials is that prospects such as Daniel Lynch (Kansas City's No. 3 prospect, per MLB Pipeline), Jackson Kowar (No. 4) and Jonathan Bowlan (No. 9) likely will make their debuts in 2021. Last year’s first-round pick, Asa Lacy (No. 2), needs to play in the Minors for a year, though the Royals say they won’t limit expectations for him. Jon Heasley (No. 26) is another name you’ll be hearing about.
Jeffrey Flanagan has covered the Royals since 1991, and for MLB.com since 2015. Follow him on Twitter at @FlannyMLB.