Kansas City Royals all-time top 50 players: No. 30 to No. 11

No. 28) Joakim Soria, relief pitcher, 2007-11 and 2016-present

The Kansas City Royals found a gem in the Rule 5 Draft in 2006 when they selected Joakim Soria from the San Diego Padres. By the end of his first season with the Royals, Jack had already taken over the closer’s role. He made his first of two All-Star teams the following year. Soria even managed to garner Cy Young and MVP votes for a 67-95 Royals team in 2010. While his second run with the team hasn’t had nearly as many highs, Soria still figures to be a useful setup man 12 seasons after his debut.

No. 27) Johnny Damon, outfielder, 1995-2000

Although he played during a very dark time in Royals history, Johnny Damon was a part of a historically good outfield in Kansas City along with Carlos Beltran and Jermaine Dye. He had the rare combination of speed and power that made him a dangerous hitter in any situation. Damon’s best year with the Kansas City Royals also happened to be his last. He slashed .327/.382/.495 with 68 extra-base hits and a league-leading 46 steals before being traded to Oakland.

Damon makes his first — and possibly his only — appearance on this year’s Hall of Fame ballot.