Kansas City Royals Should Keep Matt Fields

Power was one of the Kansas City Royals greatest weaknesses last season, as they hit a total of 95 home runs all season. Dayton Moore attempted to rectify this issue during the offseason, bringing in Alex Rios and Kendrys Morales in the hopes that they would find their power hitting ways once again. Yet, even with those two in the lineup, the Royals will likely be lacking in the power department.

In an ideal world, the Royals would be able to locate a possible power hitter to have on the bench for late game situations. Someone that could play a couple of times a week, but mainly be there in case they are down by a run late in the game. With Ned Yost stating that the Royals will likely go with the normal seven man bullpen to open up a bench spot, there may be a place for a player who could be just that – Matt Fields.

Fields is a long shot to make the Royals Opening Day roster. Yost has stated that he would prefer to have a fifth outfielder, meaning that either Paulo Orlando or Moises Sierra will get the nod. Fields is strictly a first baseman/designated hitter type, which is exactly what Morales is. He would seem a bit redundant on the roster.

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However, Matt Fields would seemingly be that power bat off the bench that none of the other role players would be. He has hit 185 home runs in his minor league career, including 59 home runs in the past two seasons. Even if Morales and Hosmer would have the first chances at playing time, and designated hitter would likely be filled by whatever regular is getting a day off, Fields would still have a role on the Royals.

The positives and negatives for Fields have been on display during Cactus League action. Three of his four hits have gone for extra bases, with two home runs and a double. However, he has struck out eight times in 17 at bats, while drawing only one walk. That inability to make contact, especially on a team that prides itself on putting the ball in play like the Royals do, could prove to be the difference.

Matt Fields’ prodigious power potential would make him an interesting option to bring north as a part of the Kansas City Royals Opening Day roster. Unfortunately, those struggles to make contact, as well as the presence of Kendrys Morales, may conspire against Fields making his major league debut.

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