KC Royals sign Jarrod “that’s what speed do” Dyson

The KC Royals add another outfielder into the mix, this time bringing in even more speed.

If fans find themselves wondering what is going on in Kansas City, the explanation is simple. KC Royals GM Dayton Moore has created his own version of a bat signal, only his calls upon past Royals players, especially those who were part of the World Series team.

Maybe that’s a little out there, but still, it seems the pieces are falling together for one big Royals veteran reunion in 2021. Just as most of the pieces of the 2015 World Series team had left, Kansas City started bringing in others, and now, it seems Jarrod Dyson will be returning to the place where he started his career.

Dyson is just one of the many former Royals signed by Kansas City this offseason, along with Greg Holland, Wade Davis, and even Ervin Santana and Mike Minor who had short stints with the Royals. It’s reported Dyson’s deal is for 1 year and $1.5 million.

Dyson brings a left-handed bat and speed to Kansas City, but also a history of good defense for the outfield which has seen plenty of change, especially with the retirement of Alex Gordon.

Dyson was decent with a bat at times during his past time in Kansas City (.260/.325/.353 over 7 years), but his real worth was seen in what he could do on base. In multiple seasons throughout his entire career, he has stolen 30 or more bases and has never been caught more than 7 times in a season totaling 256 bases to only 44 caught stealing.

In his last few seasons, though, Dyson has regressed at the plate. In 2018, he slashed .189/.282/.257. While things picked up for him slightly in 2019, he again saw a down season in a 2020 split between the White Sox and the Pirates, slashing .180/.231/.180 over 66 plate appearances.

The 36 year old outfielder, though, was not likely brought in as an everyday bat in the lineup, but instead a backup outfielder and runner as needed. Dyson has experience in every outfield position and more importantly, experience in the fields of Kauffman.

Dyson could also be seen as a candidate to platoon center field with Michael A. Taylor, both players sporting good speed and defense, but seeing struggles at the plate in recent seasons.

The signing is curious, though, and raises some questions. The Royals jumped headfirst into the youth movement in 2020, and while that may continue for some in 2021, the outfield seems to be crowded once again with veterans blocking the way for prospects. Nick Heath, Edward Olivares, and even Kyle Isbel were thought to be battling for a backup spot, but Dyson could make that fight a little more difficult.

Even so, the Royals seem to be hoping for success with not only improved on-base percentage and batting but also their old mix of defense and speed. While much remains to be seen, one thing is for sure, Kansas City will again be one of the fastest teams in baseball.

The KC Royals are in agreement with Jarrod Dyson to bring the previous World Series Champion back to Kansas City.