Royals Report: 5 Things About Mets Revenge Sweep

Jun 22, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals third baseman Cheslor Cuthbert (19) reacts after hitting a home run against the New York Mets during the fifth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

1) Cheslor Cuthbert Hitting With More Authority

The one bright spot from Tuesday’s loss was Cheslor Cuthbert’s solo home run that briefly tied up the game at 3-3. That Joakim Soria allowed the Mets to retake the lead in the bottom half of the inning doesn’t take away from Cuthbert’s clutch hit off of a tough starter in Noah Syndergaard (8-2, 2.08 ERA).

Cuthbert has been pretty darn good in June, slashing an outstanding .288/.347/.832. He’s slammed four home runs and has drawn 6 walks in 66 at bats (73 plate appearances).

After his two-home run game earlier in the month, pitchers have been approaching him with a little more caution, which has helped boost Cuthbert’s walks and on base percentage. Overall, Cuthbert has five home runs in 148 at bats, which suggests he would have high teens to low 20’s home run power over a full season.

The 23-year-old rookie has possessed a quick bat that has suggested he could hit for decent power as a prospect, but he never hit more than 12 home runs in a season during his seven year minor-league career. However, Cuthbert has surpassed double-digit home run totals in both 2014 and 2015.

Next: Royals Road Woes Continue

For the 2016 season, Cheslor Cutbert is slashing a respectable .269/.307/.400 for a 90 wRC+ (10% below a league average hitter. Adjusted Runs Created is a catch-all stat created to measure a player’s overall offense contribution to his team). Let’s hope the real Cheslor Cuthbert is more like June rather than May, and his slash line continues to improve.

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