Kansas City Royals: Top Twenty Hitters In Team History

15 of 21

Sep 24, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Carlos Beltran (36) bats against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

7. Carlos Beltran

Carlos Beltran came to the Kansas City Royals in 1999 and won the Rookie-Of-The-Year award in the AL at age 22. He hit .293/.337/.454 with 22 home runs, 27 stolen bases, and 108 RBI’s. In addition, he played terrific defense in center-field.

More from KC Royals All-Time Lists

In short, Carlos Beltran was an instant star. He, along with fellow outfielders Jermaine Dye and Johnny Damon, combined to form a terrific young outfield trio that many hoped would bring back the glory days in Kansas City. Alas, horrible pitching doomed that hope.

Beltran is still one of the most gifted hitters to ever put on a KC Royals uniform. In seven Kansas City seasons, he slashed .287/.352/.483 with 123 home runs and 164 stolen bases. His career 111 OPS+ (11% better than league average) with KC doesn’t really indicate the all-around force he was at the plate.

Carlos Beltran is still active at age 39, and has amassed close to Hall-Of-Fame numbers in 18 major-league seasons with a .280/.355/.490 triple slash, 392 home runs, 311 stolen bases, and a 121 OPS+ (21% better than league average). He’s earned seven All-Star appearances and three gold gloves in a storied career.

Next: Danny The Bull

Home/KC Royals All-Time Lists