Kansas City Royals: Frank Schwindel deserved more of a chance

The Frank Schwindel Era with the Kansas City Royals is coming to a close.

It took Frank Schwindel seven years to get his chance at the major league level with the Kansas City Royals. Although he had hit well in the minors, he had seemingly developed a reputation as being an organizational depth piece, a player who may get his cup of coffee one day. That cup of coffee came when Schwindel made the Royals Opening Day roster this season, but found himself sent to AAA early in the season.

After a slow start to his time in Omaha, and an injury, Schwindel was designated for assignment. On Saturday, the Royals requested release waivers on their Opening Day first baseman.

Schwindel did not exactly change the thought that he was essentially a Quad-A player during his brief tenure in the majors. He had one hit in his 15 plate appearances, striking out twice. With the Royals wanting to take a longer look at Ryan O’Hearn and Hunter Dozier emerging as a potential All Star, there was not enough room for Schwindel.

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However, there is always the small sample size caveat. Schwindel had two weeks to show that he was capable of playing in the majors, when players like Chris Owings and Lucas Duda are taking up space on the roster. A badly timed slump, possibly due to injury, spelled the end of his time in Kansas City.

Schwindel has been a solid player during his minor league career. Even with his struggles in Omaha this year, he had produced a lifetime .284/.317/.469 batting line with 103 homers and 186 doubles in his 2904 plate appearances, drawing 114 walks with only 448 strikeouts.

Maybe Schwindel will not be a superstar at the major league level. However, that track record in the minors should be enough to get Schwindel another look. With enough teams looking for possible power options on the bench, or for players that can be a part of the future, Schwindel may land on his feet.

Frank Schwindel may have a future in the majors at some point, but it will not come with the Kansas City Royals.