Kansas City Royals: Royals fans, all aboard the Rosell Herrera train

The Kansas City Royals have been showcasing different players all year. Rosell Herrera is showing that he should be an everyday player.

The Kansas City Royals stole Rosell Herrera from the Cincinnati Reds. Back on June 2nd, the Royals claimed Herrera off of waiver from the Reds. It was thought that the Reds tried to sneak Herrera back into their minor league system, but the Royals didn’t allow that to happen. Thankfully.

Before being claimed by the Royals, Herrera didn’t have very good numbers. Over 11 games with the Reds, Herrera was hitting .154/.154/.154 and only two singles. However, looking at his minor league numbers, Herrera showed much more promise.

After signing with the Colorado Rockies in 2009 offseason, Herrera spent the first six years of his career in Rookie-ball and A-ball before making the jump to Double-A in 2016 and Triple-A in 2017.

In Double-A, Herrera posted a .292/.374/.379 slash over 126 games with 16 double, 3 triples, and 5 home runs. Then at the Triple-A level, Herrera posted a .276/.346/.428 slash over 136 games with 31 doubles, 8 triples, and 7 home runs.

After electing for free agency in 2017, Herrera signed with the Reds at the end of the 2017 season. Then in 2018, the Reds designated Herrera for assignment to try and get him back to Triple-A before Kansas City slid in.

*Insert a desperate team here*

Rosell Herrera’s chance in Kansas City

After being claimed by the Royals, they assigned him to Triple-A. He didn’t stay there for very long. While in Omaha, he hit .278/.366/.556 over 10 games. During that time, he had six extra-base hits, three doubles, two triples, and one home run. The Royals were desperate for big league offense, so Herrera got his shot.

Since his call-up on June 17th, Herrera hasn’t looked back. During that time, he has hit .289/.328/.412 with seven doubles, two triples, and one home run. Offensively, he has been one of the better hitters for the Royals this year.

Defensively, he is someone to be excited about as well. He seems to be a Whit Merrifield 2.0 as he can play all three outfield positions, as well as second base, third base, and shortstop. Since joining the big league club he has strictly been an outfielder but with the recent trade of Mike Moustakas, he will himself playing some third base.

Final Thoughts

Herrera has been an amazing find for the Royals. Some fans will still hold out on him because he doesn’t walk very much. I’m not too worried about that because he is so productive at the plate right now.

His ability to be a super utility player is something the Royals really needed. With the recent acquisitions of outfielders Brian Goodwin and Brett Phillips, Herrera being able to play more than just the outfield is useful.

His contract is something the Royals should be excited about as well. His rookie status is still intact, which means he hasn’t “started his clock” yet. He could be in Kansas City for quite a few years.

The 25-year-old has a lot of energy and while watching him play it is hard not like him. His production at the plate and in the field doesn’t hurt his popularity either.

What do you think Royals fans? Are you on the Herrera train yet? Does he still need to prove something more to you? Did the Royals get lucky with claiming Herrera off waiver? Let us know below!