Kansas City Royals hoping for similar luck with second overall pick
By David Hill
2007: Mike Moustakas
A large part of Alex Gordon being moved to left involved the ascension of Mike Moustakas, the next player that the Kansas City Royals hoped would solidify third base.
Much like Gordon, it took some time for Moustakas to find his way in the majors. He simply did not show any ability to hit the opposite way, a dead pull hitter who was not the home run hitter the Royals envisioned. After hitting 36 homers in the minors in 2010, it took Moustakas over two seasons to reach that total in the majors.
Sent down to the minors in 2014, he continued to struggled after being recalled that season. However, just when he appeared to be a bust, Moustakas broke out. He made his first All Star Game in 2015, hitting at a .284/.348/.470 clip, with 22 homers and 34 doubles. His powerful bat was a key part in the Royals World Series victory that season.
After an injury plagued 2016 campaign, Moustakas etched himself in the Royals history. He managed to do the unthinkable – breaking Steve Balboni‘s single season home run record. After hitting his 36th homer on September 1st, Moustakas finally set the record on September 20, before ending the season with 38 homers, making his second All Star Game in the process.
Moustakas is still helping the Royals today. Even though he was sent to the Milwaukee Brewers for their own playoff chase, the trade brought back Brett Phillips and Jorge Lopez. Those two players could prove to be long term pieces for the Royals future.
Mike Moustakas hit his way into the Kansas City Royals record books. Just like Alex Gordon, he became a valued member of the franchise, and a key piece to their turnaround.