Kansas City Royals: Nicky Lopez promoted to Omaha

Nicky Lopez is undoubtedly a fan favorite in the Kansas City Royals organization. His performance with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals prompted the move to Triple A with the Omaha Storm Chasers.

The Kansas City Royals have a promising young player in Nicky Lopez. Not only did the 23 year old hit for the cycle already this season, he has also put together quite the fan base.

In our very own “Prospect to Watch” article about Lopez just a week ago, we discussed his statistics, as well as his cycle. It was also speculated that Nicky Lopez was destined for the MLB next season, if not later on this season.

The Implications

The move to Triple A seems to signify the Kansas City Royals are ready to give Nicky Lopez a shot. Both Mike Moustakas and Whit Merrifield are players likely to be traded before the July trade deadline. Fortunately, Nicky Lopez can play both second and third.

It had seemed like Lopez would maybe be a player that would be a September call-up. But if he performs well enough in Omaha with the Storm Chasers within the next month, there’s a chance he could get the call immediately.

With the Kansas City Royals 2018 season in shambles and the rebuild in the works, it may be worth giving Lopez some looks in the Majors as soon as possible. If anything, it could be a time to figure out which position he would fare best in. He can play second, short, third, and outfield.

It’s likely he’ll be given reps in all of those positions. Not as much at shortstop, because it seems like Adalberto Mondesi has the spot locked down already.

Next: Ryan Goins designated for assignment

If Moustakas or Merrifield, or maybe even both, are on other teams, there would be no harm in bringing Nicky Lopez up early to gain some more experience. His promotion to Triple A shows that he is ready for the next step. Though the question of when remains, Nicky Lopez will soon find his way onto the Kansas City Royals.