Kansas City Royals Enter Spring Training As Underdogs

<img class="size-full wp-image-70997" src="https://kingsofkauffman.com/wp-content/uploads/usat-images/2016/04/9730073-mlb-winter-meetings.jpeg" alt="Dec 7, 2016; National Harbor, MD, USA; Kansas City Royals general manager Dayton Moore speaks with the media after announcing a trade of relief pitcher

for outfielder

(both not pictured) on day three of the 2016 Baseball Winter Meetings at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports” width=”2742″ height=”1828″ /> Dec 7, 2016; National Harbor, MD, USA; Kansas City Royals general manager Dayton Moore speaks with the media after announcing a trade of relief pitcher Wade Davis for outfielder Jorge Soler (both not pictured) on day three of the 2016 Baseball Winter Meetings at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Dayton Moore Built A Roster With Depth

The big thing that the 2017 Royals have going for them is depth. Dayton Moore is well aware his core is aging and acquired plenty of veteran backups at every position. There are four players jousting for the starting second base job. While Raul Mondesi will likely head to AAA Omaha to play full time if he fails to win the starting gig, Whit Merrifield, Christian Colon, and Cheslor Cuthbert can also fill  in as infield backups.

A horde of players can man outfield spots. Along with fourth outfielder Paulo Orlando and the speedy Billy Burns who will spell Cain in center field, Brandon Moss can play in the corners as well as Whit Merrifield. Moss and AAA veteran Peter O’Brien can also play first base. While the KC Royals probably can’t withstand long-term injuries to core players like Hosmer, Moustakas, Cain, catcher Salvdor Perez, and Alex Gordon, they have ample seasoned reserves to fill in for a hurting veteran.

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The starting rotation also sports good depth despite only middling overall quality. Behind the top four of Danny Duffy, Ian Kennedy, Jason Hammel, and Jason Vargas, Ned Yost has experienced starters in Chris Young, Travis Wood, and Nathan Karns. Rookie relief find Matt Strahm and perennially injured prospect Kyle Zimmer could also figure into the rotation mix with strong spring showings.

To me, the biggest question mark is the bullpen. Right now, it’s hard to project how it will shake out. Kelvin Herrera is set as the new closer with hopes that Joakim Soria can overcome a poor 2016 to handle a set-up role. Beyond those two, the rest of the pen is up in the air. The final shape will depend on who wins the no. 5 rotation role. Presumably, the other four candidates will contest for bullpen spots.

Dayton Moore has also brought in a horde of veteran reclamation projects in Mike Minor, Brandon League, Bobby Parnell, Al Alburquerque, Jonathan Sanchez, Chris Withrow, and Seth Maness. Behind them sit minor league hopefuls like top prospect Josh Staumont whose fastball routinely touches 100 mph, Miguel Almonte, and big armed AAA closer Andrew Edwards.

Requirements For A Royals Title Run

For the Kansas City Royals to make a run at a title in 2017, they will need career years from at least two of their core players who are now entering their prime seasons. Moustakas is 28, while Eric Hosmer and Salvador Perez will see their age-27 seasons in 2017. To me, Mike Moustakas is the player most likely to carry the offense.

Meanwhile, presumptive rotation leader Danny Duffy (28) will need to pitch like the ace he promised he could become in 2016. Alex Gordon needs to make a big comeback from an injury plagued 2016 season. And, most of all, they need to enjoy good health most of the season. They also have to hope that mere health for players like Moustakas, Cain, and Gordon will allow their defense to recapture elite status rather than their merely good performance in 2016.

And, yes, it would help a whole lot if right fielder Jorge Soler finally produces his long-awaited breakout. If any of the above fails, the KC Royals will need some unforeseen miracle seasons from unexpected sources.

More from Kings of Kauffman

• Grading the 2022 KC Royals: Reliever Dylan Coleman
• KC Royals: Why Carlos Beltran might not make the Hall of Fame
• KC Royals Hot Stove News: Trades, signings, more
• Grading the 2022 KC Royals: Relief pitcher Jose Cuas
• KC Royals Free Agent Hunt: St. Louis has pitching

In the end, probably too much has to go right for the Kansas City Royals to make a deep playoff run in 2017. But, like the 2015 team that most pundits expected to return to reality after a miraculous 2014, the 2017 Royals believe in themselves much more than anyone outside their clubhouse.

Next: Eric Hosmer Discussing Extension With Front Office

Maybe, just maybe, they can will themselves to another title run.