3 KC Royals who could surprise in spring training and beyond

For some KC Royals, this year's spring training is of little consequence. No one really cares if Bobby Witt Jr. succeeds or struggles — he is, after all, a proven commodity and will be judged on how he performs during the regular season. And while it's encouraging to see Salvador Perez knock the cover off the ball in Arizona, or watch Cole Ragans and all the newly-acquired veteran pitchers hurl fire from Cactus League mounds, their spring performances won't affect their roster status.

Some Royals can use spring training as a springboard to success

Other Kansas City players don't, however, have such locked-in spots. Take second baseman Michael Massey, for example. Coming off an up-and-down 2023 season and considering the recent signing of Adam Frazier, Massey needs a strong spring showing to solidify the claim to second base he's had for the better part of two seasons. He might have the most to lose of any Royal working in the club's Surprise spring complex, but that's a two-sided coin — he also has the opportunity to strengthen his position on the club.

Three other players, though, have much to gain in the next few weeks. None of them want to perform poorly, of course, but even if they do, their roles probably won't be negatively impacted in any significant manner. If they come out of the blocks hot, on the other hand, they have a great chance of breaking camp with the team and contributing in ways far beyond the projections of the so-called experts.

Let's consider three of those players.

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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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