This week former Kansas City Royals player Mike Moustakas decided to try the free agent market once again.
Last year it didn’t work out well for him in the offseason, as he finally settled with the Kansas City Royals on a one-year deal. Later Mike Moustakas was traded to the Brewers to be part of their all or nothing run in 2018. He ended up with 28 homers and a .256 batting average this season.
Moose was born a Royal, well not really, but he should be considered a Royal through and through. He came up through our farm system and cut his teeth with the likes of Perez, Hosmer and ended up on two World Series teams. I would not shy away from saying my man-crush for Moose goes deep. This is where the homer in me comes out. I want the Moose to be loose in KC for the rest of his career. Last year I thought this is where Dayton dropped the ball.
It only makes sense to bring back Moose on a five-year deal that works for both the Royals and Moose. I know some of you are having nightmares still about the Gordon contract, but I think this is a different situation.
While Moose did not have a record year, he still had a better year than our other options at third base. His bat is solid and consistent. His glove is above average, and his throws to first are phenomenal. There is more upside with re-signing Moose to a long-term contract than looking at prospects.
Another consideration is bringing Moose back to get our younger players some veteran leadership in making a run in 2020. Consider Ryan O’Hearn at first, Whit Merrifield at second, Moose at third and Adalberto Mondesi at shortstop.
The Kansas City Royals could have an infield to last them the next five years. That is enough time to bring up another third baseman through the farm system the right way. Pair that infield with our great pitching prospects, a solid bullpen, a fast outfield, and the Royals are right back in the hunt in 2020, if not contending for a wildcard at the end of 2019.
I am starting my campaign to bring back Mike Moustakas to the Kansas City Royals early this year. Let’s not sign him to another weak one-year contract. Let the Moose loose for the next five years.
The Royals should not sign him to a big outlandish Gordo contract, but rather a club-friendly deal that demonstrates our love for one of KC’s beloved Royals in recent years. The Moose is Loose! Make it so Dayton Moore, make it so.