Royals Report: 5 Things About Ian Kennedy Slump Buster

Jun 26, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals third basemen Cheslor Cuthbert (19) hits a two-run home run against the Houston Astros during the seventh inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

2) Cheslor Cuthbert Keeping His Grip On Third Base

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe indicated again that the Kansas City Royals are interested in Oakland third baseman Danny Valencia to fill the “hole” at third base created by Mike Moustakas‘ ACL injury.

I can see why the KC Royals would be active on the third base market, but rookie Cheslor Cuthbert continues to hold off general manager Dayton Moore’s need to pull off such a deal. Cuthbert is slashing a totally acceptable .280/.315./.446, with seven home runs in 157 at bats while taking over for Moustakas at third base.

While Valencia has been surprisingly effective at the plate the last two seasons, he doesn’t possess the same defensive chops as Cuthbert. In fact, Valencia is a below-average fielder at the hot corner. Thus, Valencia’s .333/.381/.552 triple slash with 11 home runs this season, is somewhat moderated. Add in that Valencia has been a part time player his entire career, and it’s hard to see the Kansas City Royals displacing Cuthbert.

If Valencia were a left handed hitter, I could see them making the move. But as long as Cuthbert continues to hit, I don’t think he’s going anywhere. This season has proved to be invaluable to the 23-year-old Cheslor Cuthbert’s development.

Rather than surrendering value from the KC Royals depleted farm system, Dayton Moore needs to focus on bolstering his rotation.

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