Kansas City Royals Top 15 Prospects After 2015 Season

Royals third base prospect Hunter Dozier during spring training 2015 (Jen Nevius).

9. Hunter Dozier

It is said that AA is the great proving ground for prospects. A player can be dominant during his time in A-ball, but it is at that next level where the true prospects separate themselves from the pack. If that is the case, then it may be time for the Kansas City Royals to be concerned about the long term prospects of Hunter Dozier.

Dozier, the 8th overall selection in the 2012 MLB Amatuer Draft, was considered to be one of the Royals top prospects heading into the season. However, he struggled mightily in his second stint at Northwest Arkansas, posting a .213/.281/.349 batting line, striking out 151 times in 475 at bats. The power that the Royals had hoped for did manifest to a degree, as Dozier hit twelve home runs and 27 doubles, but he certainly struggled to make consistent contact.

This followed a disappointing stint with the Naturals last year, which leaves Dozier with a career .212/.289/.337 batting line in 790 plate appearance at the AA level. However, Dozier’s issues are thought to be correctable, as they are believed to be created through his focus on trying to hit home runs, and ill-fated adjustments that he made with his stance and stride toward the ball.

If Hunter Dozier is able to get his swing back on track, then he could recapture his former status as a top prospect for the Kansas City Royals. Otherwise, he may be yet another minor league player who just could not handle the transition to the upper minors. Dozier’s future may be determined based on how he performs next season.

Next: A power hitting catcher