KC Royals: The best and worst 2021 roster additions

The KC Royals took a refreshingly robust approach to improving the club this past winter. That the team brought aboard several players it didn’t have last season wasn’t unusual; the quality and experience of the newcomers, and in three cases returnees, was.

The Royals were quiet at first but, when reports surfaced Nov. 29 of an impending deal with free agent starter Mike Minor, things moved quickly. The club announced the signing of outfielder Michael A. Taylor the next day and surprised the baseball world by wrapping up a two-year deal with first baseman Carlos Santana a week later. Former KC pitcher Ervin Santana returned three weeks after that.

Kansas City continued securing the services of players who weren’t with the team last season by reuniting with legendary reliever Wade Davis in January, signing versatile infielder Hanser Alberto and trading for left fielder Andrew Benintendi in February, and bringing back former Royal Jarrod Dyson in March.

So, how do the eight acquisitions who didn’t play for the Royals last season grade out after Saturday’s 50th game of the season?

Someone has to get the lowest grade, and that someone is Davis. A good Cactus League performance earned Davis a spot on the Opening Day roster, but his stock has plunged after saving the season opener. He’s been charged with runs in eight of 15 appearances, blew a save May 16 against the White Sox, and is 0-2 with a 6.61 ERA. He gets a D.

Who’s the best and worst of the rest?