Kansas City Royals: Nicky Lopez still the future at second base
By David Hill
Now that Whit Merrifield has signed an extension with the Kansas City Royals, it is fair to wonder what that means for prospect Nicky Lopez. The answer, quite simply, is nothing.
The Kansas City Royals made quite the interesting move when they signed Whit Merrifield to a four year extension on Monday. For merely a shade over $16 million, they were able to buy out his remaining four years under team control, including his arbitration years. A team option for 2023 could also keep Merrifield in town for an additional year, delaying his free agency.
Naturally, with this extension, there have been questions as to what this means for Nicky Lopez, one of the Royals top prospects. The 23 year old has had a meteoric rise through the Royals system, and appeared to be the future at second. In theory, Merrifield’s extension clouds what seemed to be a promising future for Lopez.
Except, it does not. While Merrifield has primarily been a second baseman for much of his major league career, he has moved around to other positions as well. Last year, he made 108 appearances at second, but also had 30 games in center, eight in right, five at first, and one in left. Merrifield has also played a handful of games at third in his career as well.
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That defensive versatility, coupled with his excellent contact rate and speed, makes Merrifield the type of player that teams would covet. The Royals could theoretically turn him into a Ben Zobrist or Marwin Gonzalez type of player, bouncing around the diamond while getting over 500 plate appearances a year. Likewise, if the Royals decided to trade him in the future, that extremely affordable extension would make him an even more attractive target.
Lopez, meanwhile, is likely to start the season in AAA. He had a strong 2018 overall, with a .308/.382/.417 batting line, hitting nine homers and stealing 15 bases between AA and AAA.
However, Lopez did make a return appearance at AA last season after ending the 2017 campaign in Northwest Arkansas. The same plan could apply here, especially as Lopez will only be 24 years old at the start of the 2019 season, and has just three seasons of professional experience. If he continues to show solid contact and on base skills, along with his excellent defense, a callup by midseason would not be out of the question.
In that case, Lopez would have a chance to establish himself as the Royals second baseman of the future. Merrifield would still be there in case he falters, but would then be able to play around the diamond, giving regulars a day off and slotting in wherever needed. If Hunter Dozier falls on his face at third, or if the Royals numerous center field options do not hit, Merrifield would be a fit there as well.
Next. Royals top ten prospects for 2019. dark
The Kansas City Royals made a great move by extending Whit Merrifield. However, that extension means nothing for Nicky Lopez’ future.