What to expect from the Kansas City Royals in 2018
There have been a lot of changes on the Kansas City Royals in the past few months. After appearing as though they would sit out free agency, they ended March with a flurry of moves. But does any of it really matter?
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If the Royals are going to contend, they need to get a lot more from their pitching staff. They never really recovered from the passing of Yordano Ventura, as the rotation struggled for most of the year. Danny Duffy was solid, and Jake Junis showed signs of being a solid middle of the rotation arm, but Ian Kennedy and Jason Hammel bombed. Kennedy battled with injuries and is now healthy, making him a key piece in the Royals hopes.
Likewise, the Royals need more from their bullpen. Kelvin Herrera was mediocre in the closer role, losing the spot at the end of the year to the now departed Mike Minor. Scott Alexander and Ryan Buchter was solid pieces, and have been traded. Can the Royals really trust Wily Peralta in a setup role, as he is projected to be in? As bad as the bullpen was at times last year, it could be worse in 2018.
The offense looks solid. Duda, Salvador Perez, and Moustakas should be a solid combination in the middle of the lineup. Jon Jay is a solid on base machine, and the surprising Whit Merrifield could further emerge as a star. Jorge Soler could become a power threat in his own right. And if the Royals can get any offense from Alcides Escobar and Alex Gordon, they may be able to put together a few runs. But will that be enough for the pitching staff?
Next: Royals aren't sending Gordon to the minors
The 2018 campaign could be a long one for the Kansas City Royals. With improvements made throughout the division, they simply do not have the pitching to keep up. Prediction: Fourth place in the AL Central.