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.
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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.