3 KC Royals who could surprise in spring training and beyond

Is Nick Loftin Kansas City's forgotten man?

Nick Loftin was all the rage coming into this offseason. A September call-up, he played only 19 games at the major league level but acquitted himself well, slashing .323/.368/.435. Loftin appeared to be in position to push Massey for the second base job, or at least land a platoon split. But with thehead-scratching signing of Frazier, an experienced second baseman who can also man the corner outfield spots, it feels like Loftin has been pushed to the margins.

There's a way, though, for Loftin to capitalize on the spring.

All the pressure is on Massey. He has a season-and-a-half under his belt, but has struggled to produce consistently despite some nice flashes of his potential. A lot depends on how much patience the club has for him; it's possible no dramatic decisions will come until both Massey and Loftin provide a sample of work in 2024. But if the idea is to make them earn their spots, the Royals have the kind of depth in place where they can put pressure on their prospects. And if Massey struggles too much this spring, a door could open.

Frazier is the likeliest benefactor in that scenario, given his veteran experience. But Frazier is hardly a big-money free agent. The Royals should feel no pressure to push him into the lineup every day, and unless he has a bounce-back season himself, it's not outside the realm of possibility that Loftin could win the second base job outright. That may be a long shot, but if Massey struggles, Loftin has a chance to take his spot in a platoon with Frazier.

And there's another possible outcome. Even if Massey and Frazier produce and hold their spots, a big spring from Loftin could draw potential trade suitors — a strong performance from Loftin might help the Royals if he's dealt for value, and open him up to more playing time on another team.

Don't count out Daniel Lynch IV yet

Daniel Lynch IV has been an enigma since his big league debut in 2021. He showed some flashes last year under a new pitching coaches, but missing most of the season gave rise to more questions than answers. In 51 career games, Lynch has a record of 11-23, a 5.18 ERA, and a 1.524 WHIP. The 2023 season showed some modest improvement (4.64 ERA and 1.261 WHIP), but those are hardly the numbers of an ace.

Lynch has good stuff, but for whatever reason it hasn't translated to great success and seems to have a knack for giving up bombs when he can't get strike three. His career 3.4 HR% isn't terrible, but when he gives up the long ball it often feels like a killer for his outing and the Royals' chances for victory.

Lynch will get his shot this year. He is too talented for the Royals to give up on him without another trial, but they're probably not counting on him in the same way they were last year. They brought in reinforcements, and Lynch appears to be on the outside the rotation looking in heading into the spring. But remember that one of those spots is manned by Jordan Lyles, and if Lynch wants to jumpstart a statement season and break camp as part of the rotation, he needs to show he can limit home runs and get batters to swing and miss at strike three in Arizona.

Nelson Velázquez looks to improve his contact

Picking Velázquez as a Royal with a lot to gain from spring training feels a bit like cheating. The designated hitter position is his to lose after he made his presence felt in Kansas City last summer, and he'll also spend time in the outfield. Velázquez played 40 games with the Royals after coming over from the Cubs, and blasted 14 home runs, drove in 28 runs, and had an .878 OPS. His .346 ISO was also outstanding, His plate discipline, however, leaves something to be desired: he struck out 29.3 percent of the time with the Royals.

Velázquez will undoubtedly smack some moon shots in the thin air of Arizona, but Kansas City coaches will be carefully studying his batting eye and plate discipline. If he shows progress in those areas, he can cement himself into the Royals' everyday lineup, adding length and serious pop to the batting order.

But failing to improve in those areas could mean a shorter leash for the slugger. The Royals might look increase the time spent in the DH rotation by Perez, MJ Melendez, and Hunter Renfroe. Or perhaps it opens the door for someone like Nick Pratto, another player with little to lose and much to gain this spring. If Velázquez struggles too much and Pratto shows progress at the plate, the latter might get more playing time at first base while Vinnie Pasquantino transitions into the primary DH role.

That scenario might not be a betting favorite, but that's one of the great things about spring training — you never know what might happen.

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