Kansas City Royals: Five predictions for the remainder of the 2018 season

The Kansas City Royals have a mere 19 games left in the 2018 season. Sitting at 48-95, the Royals are dangerously close to their worst record in franchise history.

Looking forward to the end of the season, here are a few speculations for the Kansas City Royals as we near the end.

1. The team will not have the worst record in franchise history.

Though it seemed like there may be a chance that the team would fall to the worst record in franchise history, with 19 games remaining, they need to win just nine games in the next 19 in order to avoid having a worse record than that of the 2005 Royals, who finished at 56-106.

2. Alcides Escobar will play shortstop in the final game of the season.

To many fans dismay, Alcides Escobar has still played a significant amount in the 2018 season. He has been taking time at other positions so as to interfere a little less with the development of Adalberto Mondesi. He will obviously get more time at third through the end of the season, but his final game will be at shortstop.

3. The Royals will pick second in the 2019 MLB Draft.

The Kansas City Royals have gained ground on the Baltimore Orioles, and will not have the worst record in baseball. Of course, they will be choosing behind the Orioles in the draft then. But, they will still be able to find a talented player to become one of the faces of the future of the organization.

4. Wily Peralta will continue to make a case for the role of permanent closer in 2019.

Wily Peralta saw struggles early in his career with the Milwaukee Brewers, but he seems to be becoming adjusted to his new role in the bullpen. With an ERA of 3.81 in 28 games, spanning 26.0 innings, he has been making a case for himself to remain in the closing role. He is nine of nine in save opportunities which is impressive. The 29 year old is continuing to prove his worth to the organization.

5. They will regret not calling up Richard Lovelady and Frank Schwindel.

There are players the Kansas City Royals have on the 40-man that they could have easily parted with in order to make room for young talent. The list could include, but is not limited to, Burch Smith, Bubba Starling, and Paulo Orlando. Both Richard Lovelady and Frank Schwindel have a lot to offer to the organization, and they could have gained valuable experience at the end of this dismal season.

Lovelady will hopefully be given an opportunity soon. He posted a 2.47 ERA in the 2018 season, with a 24.7% strikeout rate. He also was the best in WHIP in the Pacific Coast League, at 1.01.

Schwindel slashed .302/.338/.516 in Triple A this season. Though he would have had to split time with Ryan O’Hearn, it would have been worth it. Or, he could have taken on an opportunity in the DH spot.

The end of the 2018 season will be interesting. Though some of these predictions may not come true, they will likely prove to be accurate.