Tag Archives: Mike Moustakas

2018 MLB Season Preview: Kansas City Royals

The Kansas Royals are no longer World Series contenders. They had a nice run with homegrown talent. They saw some of those guys leave for big money deals, but they still have a competitive squad coming into the season…but could look different by season’s end.

The Royals were able to keep one of their core homegrown talents that led them to a World Series title a few seasons ago. Mike Moustakas was hoping to land a huge contract after belting 38 homers last season. He turned down a qualifying offer, but found the landscape barren. Teams are saving their money for a talented free agent class next offseason. Moose came back for a deal that’s about half of the qualifying offer he turned down.

Will the Royals make any more moves towards a full rebuild?

Here is the 2018 MLB season preview for the Kansas City Royals.

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2017 MLB Season Preview: Kansas City Royals

The Royals made some move this offseason that were more long-term decisions. I think Kansas City’s front office is looking to the future instead of trying to build a contender this year. They have contracts coming up and they need to make some trades or see them walk after this season with just draft pick compensation.

The Royals did make a few short-term motivated deals too, but those were made out of an immediate need following the death of Yordano Ventura. Their starting rotation is a bit of a patchwork job, but it will need to get them through the season.

Mike Moustakas, Eric Hosmer and Lorenzo Cain are all in the last year of their contracts. Will any stay in Kansas City the entire season or will the Royals move them all in deals?

Here is the 2017 MLB season preview for the Kansas City Royals.

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2016 MLB Season Preview: Kansas City Royals

It has been a long time since the Kansas City Royals won a World Series. George Brett was playing third base and Ronald Reagan was President. 30 years later, the Royals did it again. I’m happy for the city and the organization.

Kansas City spent the offseason trying to keep their own on the team. They signed a few new arms, but their biggest splash was when they re-signed Alex Gordon. Most thought his price-point would have been out of the Royals price-range at the beginning of the offseason.

The Royals have been winning games with defense, smart base-running and a solid bullpen. All of the same pieces are still in place, so could we see a third-straight World Series for the Royals?

Here is the 2016 MLB season preview for the Kansas City Royals.

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2015 MLB Team Preview: Kansas City Royals

Kansas City defied all odds and represented the American League in the 2014 World Series. They gave San Francisco quite a battle. The Giants needed seven games to win their third ring in five years.

Kansas City are coming off back-to-back winning seasons. They are trending in the right direction. They aren’t a prime free agent destination, but did manage to lure a few former All-Stars to the team in the offseason.

The Royals core group of players are still quite young. It seems they are older than what they are since we’ve been talking about them from the time Kansas City drafted them. They have relied heavily on their farm system.

Here is the 2015 MLB season preview for the Kansas City Royals.

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2014 MLB Team Preview: Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals have been in the basement of the AL Central for a long time. They have picked near the top of the draft for the last decade, but it never translated into Major League success. Some of their top picks have worked out (Alex Gordon) and others did not develop into All-Star level talent (Luke Hochevar).

Kansas City had their first season over .500 since 2003 and their best overall season since 1992. The young talent is the reason why they are having success. Building through the draft is the only way a small market team can contend today.

Will Mike Moustakas have a breakout season? Can Jason Vargas adequately replace Ervin Santana in the starting rotation?

Here is the 2014 MLB season preview for the Kansas City Royals.

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2013 MLB Team Preview: Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals made one of the biggest trades this offseason. They traded a package featuring top prospect Wil Myers to Tampa Bay for two MLB-level starters James Shields and Wade Davis. Does this movie make you believe the Royals are ready to win now?

The Royals have not shown any signs they are ready to compete in the AL Central. Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer were once top prospects, but haven’t made ways in the Majors. There are holes in their team that won’t be fixed by the end of the season.

Will the Royals trade Jeff Francoeur for major-league ready players or prospects to build toward the future?

Here is the 2013 MLB season preview for the Kansas City Royals. Continue reading →