Kansas City Royals: Dairon Blanco wants to ‘leave it all on the field’

We caught up with Kansas City Royals prospect Dairon Blanco during MLB’s shutdown. He made it clear that to get a shot, he’s willing to “leave it all on the field.”

This winter Kansas City Royals prospect Dairon Blanco flashed his talents in possibly the most talented league in the Caribbean. The speedy native of Camagüey, Cuba went to the Dominican Winter League in order to get ready for his possible battle for a position in the Royals outfield this spring.

In 43 games with the eventual league champ the Toros he hit .283 with three triples, 11 runs batted in and a was second in the league with eight steals. Undoubtedly he was the team’s sparkplug. His .335 OBP and 41 hits made him one of the most effective leadoff hitters in the DOWL.

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When he was about to get the shot to impress the team this spring MLB shut everything down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

How did your incursion in the DOWL help you get prepared for Spring Training?

Thank God, I came to Spring Training in tip-top shape because of the time spent in the league. It was a beautiful experience and my team even won the league title.

Touching up on the subject of your team crowning itself champion. Why didn’t you play in the Caribbean World Series?

I couldn’t play in the event because my team (Kansas City Royals) didn’t authorize me to play with the Toros in Puerto Rico.  But I really did want to play in this event.

You were ascending through Oakland’s farm system before you were traded, did your trade to Kansas City throw off your momentum?

The trade surprised me and coming to a new organization was a culture shock. There were new rules but KC but they adopted me as one of their own and I quickly adapted to a new culture.

As soon as you started to get a long look in Spring Training, MLB closed the preseason. Do you think this affected your chances to make the ball club?

It didn’t affect my chances because the preseason was already shutdown. Thank God I was able to come to Cuba and spend time with my family before the virus was in full swing. As soon as I’m able to get stateside I’ll do my best to make my way the Majors this year.

How have you been able to stay in shape during the shutdown?

As soon as I reached my parent’s house in Cuba I found plenty of ways to stay in shape. I’ve had good of luck because plenty of my friends in Camagüey have aided me in my preparation one way or another, especially since everything on the island is on full lockdown.

What is your goal for the season?

My goal is to stay healthy and help my ball club in any capacity at whatever level I might be at. My goal is to begin at the big league level, but if I don’t begin there I will leave all on the field no matter what ball club I play for.

What you like to one day return to Candido González Stadium one day and dawn the jersey of Camagüey?

I would love that but my mind right now is on making the big leagues, aside from that nothing else matters to me right now. I want to be afforded the opportunity to establish myself with the big club.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website or the website for your state’s Department of Health.