KC Royals: Yankees Claim Reserve OF Lane Adams

The KC Royals lost outfield prospect Lane Adams after the New York Yankees claimed him off waivers on Friday.

The Royals designated Adams for assignment because they needed room on the 40-man roster after signing Alex Gordon. The 26-year-old Adams enjoyed a brief call-up to the KC Royals in 2014, getting only three plate appearances in six games. Adams figured to be a September call-up candidate in 2015, but struggled at AAA slashing only .226/.305/.679 after a strong showing at AA NW Arkansas at .298/.360/.466.

The speedy Adams, who has 164 stolen bases in his minor-league career, got caught in a numbers game. The Kansas City Royals have 10 other outfielders on their 40-man roster, including prospects Bubba Starling, Brett Eibner, Jose Martinez, Terrance Gore, and Jorge Bonifacio. The Royals also have reserve outfielders Jarrod Dyson and Paulo Orlando, who figure to contest for the right field job this spring.

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Baseball America rated Lane Adams the no. 15 prospect in the KC Royals system last winter, citing his plus-plus base-running and plus defensive ability. However, Adams has a fringe arm and moderate pop. Analyst J.J. Cooper saw him as nothing more than a fourth outfielder in the major-leagues.

The notable fact here is how the New York Yankees seem to be trying to emulate everything Royals these days. After trying to one-up the KC Royals three headed monster bullpen by adding Aroldis Chapman to Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances, they now have jumped on a speed/defense outfielder from the KC system.

I must confess, seeing the big market Yankees snatching up the Kansas City Royals leftovers is much better than hearing New York fans snark about how pathetic the Royals are every time the team’s name comes up in conversation.

Next: KC Royals Avoid Arbitration With Danny Duffy, Jarrod Dyson, And 3 Others

I guess no one in New York is laughing at the KC Royals after watching them knock off the Mets in five games to win the 2015 World Series.