Kansas City Royals Countdown: Top Five First Basemen

Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

5. Wally Joyner (1992-1995, 7.8 WAR)

Wally Joyner is typically remembered for his first two seasons with the then California Angels, when it appeared as though he was on pace to become a superstar. While he never truly lived up to expectations, Joyner did put together a solid career, collecting over 2000 hits and 200 home runs in his 16 years in the majors.

That solid career was reflected with the Kansas City Royals. Signed as a free agent after the 1991 season, when Ewing Kauffman was doing his best to bring another playoff run to the Royals, he was a part of the deconstruction after his death, being traded away for Bip Roberts and a minor leaguer.

Overall, in his four seasons with the Kansas City Royals, Joyner posted a .293/.371/.434 batting line, hitting 44 home runs and 120 doubles. Joyner hit over .300 and topped 30 doubles twice with the Royals, displaying his excellent batting eye and contact skills. While he was not a power hitter, his ability to drive the ball into the gaps fit perfectly with the dimensions at Kauffman Stadium.

Even if the signing of Joyner did not have the effect it was hoped for, he was still a solid player for the Royals. Those four years were enough for Joyner to end up as the fifth best first baseman in Royals history.

Next: A World Series Hero