Mike Carp Could Be a Fit for the Royals

Yesterday, it was announced that the first CT Scan of Eric Hosmer‘s hand did not reveal anything more than was expected, confirming that he truly has a stress fracture. Fortunately, Hosmer will not require surgery, and that initial three to six week window before he can return to action still appears to be accurate.

Now, the Royals find themselves with Billy Butler manning first base, without a backup listed on the depth chart. Nominally, Raul Ibanez could play first in a pinch, as he has done twice this season. However, the Royals may find themselves looking at possible options to back up Butler if needed. One such player that is currently available is Mike Carp.

Designated for assignment by the Boston Red Sox on Thursday, Carp has struggled this season as he received inconsistent playing time, hitting at a mere .198/.320/.279 with six extra base hits, none of which were a home run. However, Carp has demonstrated the ability to hit for power in part time duty before, hitting nine home runs in 216 at bats last year, and slugging 12 long balls in 290 at bats in 2011.

More from KC Royals News

• KC Royals Rumors: Is a monster move in the cards?
• KC Royals Free Agent Hunt: 3 Tampa Bay pitchers
• Grading the 2022 KC Royals: The $25 million man
• KC Royals Winter Meetings Tracker: Expectations met
• KC Royals Winter Meetings Tracker: Day 3 update

Mike Carp could also bring a bit of flexibility to the Royals roster. Over his career, Carp has primarily appeared at first and left, but has appearances in right and third. Although Carp is not going to supplant Alex Gordon in left, he could allow Gordon to get a partial day off as a designated hitter, spell Butler at first, or potentially become a part of the right field rotation for the Royals.

With the Royals still potentially looking for a power bat off the bench, or someone that could slot into the lineup a few times a week, Carp could be a possible option. As he would likely come cheaply, the Royals lack of financial flexibility would not be a factor.

Even though he may not be even close to the biggest name to pass through the waiver period, Mike Carp could be the best all around fit for the Royals as an insurance policy at first. The price would certainly seem to be right.