KC Royals included in MLB Pipeline 2020 All-Rookie Second Team

The Royals have seen plenty of young players start to make their way in the majors this season. Now, two of them are getting some recognition.

In this short 2020 season, the KC Royals may not have found their way to the postseason. It was a hope that some had, but not a surprise that the season will end in September for the boys in blue. There were difficult games, heartbreaking losses, and plenty of games that could have pushed this season in a different direction with just a little more luck. 2020 was not all a bust, though.

One of the most important things to come out of the 2020 season for the Royals is that they embraced something new, the youth movement. They ran plenty of young players and arms out onto the field trying to see what they have in the organization. There were players who had done their time in the minors, and some who had only spent a short time there. It looks to be paying off.

The Royals are now seeing promising things from starters to position players and especially in the bullpen. For a few of these players, Josh Staumont and Brady Singer, the recognition goes further than just Kansas City.

Recently, MLB Pipeline released its 2020 All-Rookie Teams. Both Staumont and Singer found their way onto the second team.

Singer has put together a good rookie season so far. He got knocked around a few times and saw his command struggle, but making the jump to the majors after just 1 year between A+ and AA ball is not easy for anyone, especially when playing some of the good hard-hitting teams in the AL Central.

So far on the season, Singer holds an ERA of 4.40, FIP of 4.35, has pitched 57.1 innings, and struck out 56. He saw his walks jump up from his time in the minors (2.4 per 9 to 3.6) but his strike rate also increased slightly.

Josh Staumont has been one of the biggest headlines for the Royals in 2020. Staumont got his first chance in 2019, and while he did fairly well, but struggle with command and couldn’t find the high velocity that he was known for. He still had some struggles this season but has figured out a way to shut batters down before it hurts.

Staumont has held his ERA at 1.57 over 23.0 innings, has an FIP of 3.66, and while he has walked 6.3 per 9, he has struck out 14.1 per 9 as well. He easily touches 100 mph and has grazed 102 multiple times.

While the argument could be made for Staumont to be placed on the first team, the fact that two Royals got picked at all is progress. With the retirement of Alex Gordon, the team will likely start to look towards more of their younger players to step up.

There are plenty of players in Kansas City’s youth movement that are ready for their moment in the spotlight. 2020 has shown some of the Royals future, and it looks pretty good.

Josh Staumont and Brady Singer were picked for the 2020 MLB Pipeline All-Rookie Second Team. They have worked hard and earned this recognition.