KC Royals: Ten Things That Have Gone Right In 2016

7. Raul Mondesi Jr.’s Breakthrough Season

Now 21-year-old Raul Mondesi Jr. has played at three levels this season, beginning at AA. Rated as one of the top prospects in baseball due to his outstanding raw skills, he’s shown significant improvement at the plate in 2016.

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Mondesi possesses elite range and speed. His development has been driven by his bat. Mondesi is a natural shortstop, but is playing at second with Alcides Escobar established at short for Kansas City.

Long believed to have the potential for good pop at the plate for a middle infielder due to excellent bat speed, he’s begun to realize that potential this season. He slashed .259/.331/.448 with five home runs in 131 at bats for AA NW Arkansas to earn a promotion to AAA. In Omaha, Mondesi improved to .304/.328/.536 to get the call to KC.

The rookie infielder has struggled to hit for the Kansas City Royals, but has showed enough skills to be useful. He’s a good bunter with outstanding speed, which has made him tolerable as a no. 9 hitter. Combined with gold glove winner Alcides Escobar at short, Mondesi gives the KC Royals elite range in the middle infield.

Next: No. 6