Kansas City Royals: Khalil Lee could have role in 2021

A lack of left handed hitters on the Kansas City Royals roster could push Khalil Lee into a significant role in 2021.

The Kansas City Royals have been one of the few bright spots in what has been a slow offseason. They have been amongst the more active teams in free agency, adding five players to fill a variety of holes on the roster. However, they are not yet done, as they are still on the lookout for a left handed hitter.

Such a quest is completely understandable. The Royals have only three true left handed hitters on their 40 man roster – Nicky Lopez, Ryan O’Hearn, and Franchy Cordero. Adalberto Mondesi and the recently signed Carlos Santana are switch hitters, but have typically fared better from the right side.

As it turns out, the answer could come from within the organization. As Hunter Dozier appears to be heading back to third, there is an opening in the outfield. That could lead to an opportunity for Khalil Lee to have a significant role during the 2021 season.

Lee was once a top prospect, ranked as the 61st best prospect in the game by Baseball Prospectus prior to the 2019 season. He produced a solid .264/.363/.372 batting line over his 546 plate appearances that year, hitting eight homers and 21 doubles while stealing 53 bases. While he did draw 65 walks, he also struck out 154 times, as his swing and miss tendencies, as well as an occasionally overly passive approach, limited his performance.

That is the biggest issue when it comes to the Royals’ outfielder. If he can become more aggressive on strikes earlier in the count, and refine his swing to tap into his raw power, Lee could be the type of player the Royals envision.

He could get his chance to do so in the majors in the coming year. The Royals will have an opening in right field should Dozier move to the hot corner as expected. His strong arm and excellent speed will allow him to be a solid presence defensively, and his ability to draw walks taps into something else that the Royals had been searching for. The opportunity is there.

Khalil Lee is still expected to be a part of the Kansas City Royals’ future. That time could come as soon as this year.