Projecting the KC Royals’ Opening Day starting lineup

Starter: Brad Keller

Brad Keller, a former Rule 5 draft pick, is entering his third season as a member of the KC Royals. After going 9-6 with a 3.08 record in 2018, he didn’t experience the same level of success last season.

Keller won a third of his 21 starts and carried a 4.19 ERA to go with the 7-14 record. He was still a respectable pitcher overall but for staff that needed someone to lead the way, he didn’t quite live up to expectations. Instead, he was merely an okay starter.

Plenty of eyes are on Keller to return to his old form in 2020. He’s tweaked his arsenal a little bit and has the stuff to succeed. Still just 24 years old, there’s time left for him to headline this rotation

The emergence of another outside name (or two, or three) could take some pressure off Keller down the road but for now, he’s the staff ace. The Royals will go as he does and with some improved luck and run support, the peripherals should look a lot better.

He’s the best we’ve got, which means Keller will probably be your Opening Day starter for the KC Royals.