Kansas City Royals: Year-end review, outfielders

Alex Gordon was the veteran of the Kansas City Royals outfield this season. Let’s see how each one stacked up against each other.

Outside of the pitching staff, the Kansas City Royals outfield might be the biggest question mark heading into this offseason. Alex Gordon was a mainstay in left field but everybody and their mother got a chance to claim one of the two other spots. The team saw a failed experiment in the signing of Billy Hamilton as the former Reds’ top prospect failed to produce. Terrance Gore returned to the Royals on a one-year deal and fits the speedy, slap hitter that David Glass seems to like, but he too was not long for this roster.

Perhaps the biggest surprise, not only on the Royals but in the American League, was the emergence of Jorge Soler this season. He primarily served as the team’s designated hitter but he played 56 in the outfield. Let’s see how each outfielder graded in 2019.

Chris Owings, Hunter Dozier, and Whit Merrifield will be included as part of the infielders.

Again, it will all depend on what happens with Alex Gordon this offseason. The front office would be foolish to pick up his mutual option but a much smaller one year deal? Absolutely. There are plenty of opportunities for several players to claim a permanent grasp on an outfield spot next year.