KANSAS CITY ROYALS (81-81), 3RD, AL CENTRAL
uSeason snapshot: After winning back-to-back American League pennants and their first World Series title since 1985 last year, the Royals finished out of the playoffs. They were a half-game out of first place in the AL Central on June 19, but a miserable July in which they went 7-19 proved too much to overcome. Kansas City was hit by a string of key injuries, most notably third baseman tearing a ligament in his right knee May 22 and missing the rest of the season. Left fielder center fielder
also
and closer missed long stretches.
uWhat now: With a number of key players’ contracts expiring after next season, general manager must decide whether to attempt another run at the World Series next year or retrench. Among those eligible for free agency in November 2017 are Moustakas, Cain, Davis, first baseman shortstop
and left-hander The small-market Royals won’t be able to re-sign them all and might look to trade some in the offseason in an attempt to restock a farm system thinned by trades that helped deliver two pennants.
uFree agent focus: The club options for next season on Davis ($10 million) and Escobar ($6.5 million) will be exercised, but the $10 million one on right-hander won’t be. Right-hander said he would consider exercising his half of a $10 million mutual option for 2017 but is more likely to take a $3 million buyout and jump into the shallow pool of free agent starting pitchers. There is a chance both sides could agree on exercising designated hitter $11.5 million mutual option, while the Royals aren’t expected to pick up setup reliever $7 million option. Right-handers and
and backup catcher all could be re-signed.
uProspects Third baseman-outfielder 25, the Royals’ first-round draft pick in 2013, made his major league debut in September after hitting a combined .296 with 23 home runs and a .899 on-base-plus-slugging percentage in 129 games with Class AA Northwest Arkansas (Springdale, Ark.) and Class AAA Omaha (Papillion, Neb.). He could be in the Royals’ 2017 plans if they decide to get younger. Left-hander who had a 1.23 ERA in 21 games after being called up from Northwest Arkansas, will be given a chance to win a rotation spot.
John Perrotto