Royals Report: Friday’s Win And Hanging With The President

4) Cheslor Cuthbert Extends His Hitting Streak

Cheslor Cuthbert’s solo home run in the third inning extended his hitting streak to 11 games. Cuthbert is now slashing a healthy .297/.327/.466 with 12 doubles, 9 home runs, and 33 RBIs in the 2016 season. He’s been more than adequate as a fill-in for third baseman Mike Moustakas, and has shown he very much belongs in the major leagues.

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In short, it’s been something of a dream season for the 23-year-old Cuthbert. The prior two seasons saw him run in place in the minors, while falling out of the top 100 prospects in the game.

At this point, you have to say that the pundits have underestimated Cuthbert’s future. He’s forcing his way into a spot in the Kansas City Royals lineup for next season, even after Moustakas returns from his torn ACL in 2017.

With Kendrys Morales hitting free-agency next winter, you have to think that Cuthbert will earn a spot on the roster. Perhaps he will become part of a rotation at the designated hitter spot, and provide an occasional day off for Moustakas against a tough left-handed pitcher.

Cuthbert looks like he’s going to entertain Kansas City Royals fans for years to come as part of the “second wave” of prospects to join the big club.

Next: Whit Merrifield