Kansas City Royals 2018 Season Review
By David Hill
The Kansas City Royals youth gave reason for hope in the near future
It took some time, but the Kansas City Royals finally began their rebuild in earnest. When the youngsters had a chance to play in September, the Royals actually put together a winning month, leading to far more optimism that usual around a team that lost 100 games.
That optimism begins on offense. Whit Merrifield continued to develop into a solid piece for the Royals, leading the American league with 192 hits and 45 steals. Adalberto Mondesi finally displaced Alcides Escobar from shortstop, a move that needed to happen after the 2017 campaign. When he was inserted in the lineup, Mondesi looked like a future star, hitting 13 homers and stealing 35 bases in 75 games. Ryan O’Hearn was a monster in September, belting 12 homers in 170 plate appearances, giving hope that he can be that valued middle of the order bat.
While he did not perform at the same level at the plate, Brett Phillips also gave plenty of reason for hope. He was a human highlight reel in the outfield, making amazing catches and showing off his howitzer for an arm. While the Royals have to hope he develops into Lorenzo Cain offensively, he already has similar defense.
On the pitching side, Brad Keller went from being a Rule V draftee to a viable Rookie of the Year candidate. He posted a surprising 3.08 ERA and a 1.304 WHiP over his 140.1 innings, proving to be a potential middle of the rotation arm. Fellow rookie Heath Fillmeyer showed promise to be a back of the rotation arm, and Jakob Junis shook off a rough couple of months to finish the year strong.
The Kansas City Royals have some pieces in place, and may have the beginnings of their next core. They just need the right pieces to supplement the youth movement.