KC Royals: Who plays left field if Andrew Benintendi leaves?

This talented outfielder might make it back to the KC Royals this season.

A little less than two months into his fifth minor league season (May 26 to be precise), Brewer Hicklen finally received the call—the Royals needed him in Kansas City. His promotion from Triple-A Omaha was expected to last only until Kyle Isbel returned from the Injured List, which wouldn’t be long.

Hicklen appeared in two games before the Royals sent him back to the minors, rendering his four-day big league debut baseball’s proverbial “cup of coffee.” He struck out in both his at-bats and played in center and right.

Despite that short trip to the majors, Hicklen should be high on Kansas City’s short list to replace Benintendi if he’s traded. After returning to Triple-A, Hicklen hit six homers and drove in 21 runs in June, and is slashing .393/.485/.786 with three homers and seven RBIs this month. His five-year minor league average is .271 and he has a .363 OBP.

That he didn’t play left field in Kansas City is of no concern—he can play center and right, so he can handle left, and he’s played there 221 times in the minors.

Will the Royals bring Hicklen up if they deal Benintendi away? Pratto is the more likely choice, but we shall see.