Kansas City Royals first base options
The Kansas City Royals now have an opening at first base. Who will man the position come Opening Day?
The Kansas City Royals now know the fate of Eric Hosmer. Despite what was reported to be a seven year contract worth more than $140 million, he has headed west, inking an eight year deal with the San Diego Padres. He was able to get that eighth year he was seeking, landing on an up and coming Padres team.
While the move is certainly logical for Hosmer, this leaves a major hole for the Royals. As the Royals offseason, to this point, had been on hold waiting for their former first baseman to make a decision, moves need to be made. Thus far, aside from bringing back Alcides Escobar and shedding the salaries of underperforming players, it has been quiet in Kansas City.
Now that the Royals have an answer, it is time to move on. Part of that process now involves finding a replacement for Hosmer, someone that can fit into his spot in the lineup and provide the same leadership on the diamond. And, if that new first baseman happens to be a Gold Glove caliber player as well, so much the better.
The problem is, there are not many players like Eric Hosmer out there. But that does not mean that the Kansas City Royals do not have options. Let’s take a look at some players the Royals could target as their Opening Day first baseman.
Logan Morrison has made it known that he wants to be a part of the Kansas City Royals. With an opening at first, that may well happen.
A former top prospect, Morrison had been a bit of a bust during his major league career. There had been questions about his attitude and desire, leaving one to wonder if he would ever make good on his potential. When he returned to the Tampa Bay Rays late in the offseason on a one year deal, it seemed as though Morrison had his last chance.
He took the opportunity and ran with it. One of the Final Five for the All Star Game, Morrison put together a career year, producing a .246/.353/.516 batting line with 38 homers and 85 RBI. He also played a solid first base, with above average range and saved a run for the Rays. Morrison could fit in the middle of the Royals lineup, giving them a viable power threat.
Morrison also has connections to the Royals franchise. He grew up in Kansas City, and wants to play for his hometown team. In fact, he has done virtually everything but rent a billboard outside of Kauffman Stadium to state his desire to be a part of the Royals. On a two or three year deal, he could bridge the gap until top prospect Nick Pratto is ready to come to the majors.
Logan Morrison wants to be Royal. On a relatively inexpensive contract, that could happen.
If Hunter Dozier is ever going to get his chance with the Kansas City Royals, this may be the time.
The former eighth overall selection in the 2013 MLB Amateur Draft, Dozier has had a limited chance to show that he belongs in the majors. In his brief cup of coffee in 2016, Dozier received only 21 plate appearances. In that time, he had four hits with a double, and drew two walks. However, he struck out eight times, and looked overmatched.
Last year was a lost season for Dozier. He missed time with a strained oblique and a broken hamate bone, limiting him to just 33 games. In that time, he was effective, posting a .243/.341/.441 batting line, hitting eight doubles and four homers. However, in his 129 plate appearances, Dozier struck out 50 times. That would put him in Joey Gallo territory, only without the tape measure home runs.
If Dozier is going to make an impact on the Royals, this may well be his chance. Capable of playing first, third, and right, he currently sits atop the Kansas City depth chart at first base. Of course, that is subject to change, but Dozier should get a long look in Spring Training. If nothing else, he could serve as a depth option at the corners and outfield, giving the Royals some versatility.
Hunter Dozier has not had much of a chance in Kansas City. If he is going to make an impact, now is the time.
Lucas Duda is hardly an option that would inspire much confidence, but he could serve as a relatively inexpensive power option on a team that could use one.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Much like Logan Morrison, Duda has been considered a fallback plan for the Kansas City Royals should Eric Hosmer end up elsewhere. Now that he has left for the Padres, it is time to consider those fallback options.
Duda would give the Royals a viable power threat for the middle of their lineup. He has hit exactly 30 homers twice in his career, showing that he can be that source of power the Royals would need. However, he has been plagued by injuries, and his overall performance in 2017 does not inspire confidence. Between the Mets and Rays, he produced a .217/.322/.496 batting line, his 116 OPS+ somewhat misleading.
Duda also has just three seasons with 20 or more homers. However, Citi Field has traditionally played as an extreme pitcher’s park, holding down the amount of homers produced. If Duda can hit 30 homers while playing half his games in New York, he could do the same in Kansas City if he is healthy.
Next: Will Hosmer be worth the contract?
The Kansas City Royals need a first baseman for the coming season. Lucas Duda may not be the first option, but he could fit the Royals budget and provide power cheaply.