Kansas City Royals Positional Battles Heading into Spring Training

Right Field: Jarrod Dyson vs. everyone

As things currently stand, Jarrod Dyson is pencilled in as the Kansas City Royals starting right fielder for the 2016 season. He has certainly waited for this opportunity, serving as the Royals fourth outfielder for the past four seasons, using his speed to produce a career .255/.320/.343 batting line with 146 stolen bases.

The problem is that Dyson offers virtually nothing else but his speed offensively. Likewise, Dyson has a career .211/.288/.249 batting line against lefties, meaning that Paulo Orlando is likely to get a decent amount of work in a platoon role. But is this really the best option in what has been a revolving door for the Royals?

There are also plenty of other internal candidates for the job. Minor leagues Brett Eibner and Jose Martinez could get a long look, not just for a backup spot on the roster, but for the starting job. If Reymond Fuentes is healthy and over his illness, he could be in the mix, as could Travis Snider, who was recently signed to a minor league contract.

Even if Dyson begins the season as the starter, he may not keep that job all year. Right field could be a revolving door all year, with the Royals hoping that Bubba Starling can solidify the position beginning in 2017. If Dyson is going to be a starter, it may be now or never.

Next: Who will be the fourth and fifth starters?