The Kansas City Royals are taking the 2020 season and using it the right way – as a way to evaluate their youngsters.
The 2020 season is a strange year. With expanded playoffs, encompassing 16 teams in total reaching the postseason, virtually every team feels that they have a chance at the postseason. Even teams that would theoretically be in the final steps of a rebuilding process can envision a trek to the postseason, potentially pushing them to make moves that would normally come later.
Then there are the Kansas City Royals. They are in the midst of a youth movement, beginning to see the fruits of their rebuild reach the major league level. In a regular year, those players would be rising through the ranks, getting time at AAA before reaching the majors in the second half.
But again, this is not a normal year. Teams have their top prospects in their alternate camp as a way to give them reps, but it is not the same as game action. As such, the Royals are using this season in the best way they can – to evaluate those prospects and see if they can handle major league action.
Those auditions began on Opening Day. Tyler Zuber threw two innings out of the bullpen on Opening Day. Brady Singer has had two starts. Another pitching prospect, Kris Bubic, will make his major league debut on Friday. It would not be a surprise to see the Royals other top pitching prospects, Daniel Lynch and Jackson Kowar, get a look as well.
This extends to the lineup as well. While Bubba Starling and Brett Phillips are not exactly prospects any longer, they are getting an extended look. The Royals are letting Nicky Lopez sink or swim with the bat. Adalberto Mondesi will need to prove he is a building block.
But this is exactly what a rebuilding team should be doing. The Royals need to know how close they are to having these prospects be ready for the majors, and when they can officially look to add pieces to supplement the rebuilding process. The 2020 campaign may be a rough year, but it is exactly the type of year the Royals should have.
The Kansas City Royals are using the 2020 season the right way – by getting a good look at their young pitchers and seeing where they stand in their rebuild.