Royals build with speed
What role will Whit Merrifield play?
Merrifield signed a four-year deal that guarantees him at least $16 million with a club option in 2023. He led the AL with 192 hits and 45 steals in 2018 and ranked sixth with a .304 batting average. The lineup will likely be built around him.
Salvador Perez brings needed power as the two-time Silver Slugger winner had 27 homers in 2018. Adalberto Mondesi played 75 games but hit 14 homers.
Outfielder Alex Gordon had 124 hits with 13 home runs and 54 RBI. The addition of Billy Hamilton brings speed and fits well in Kauffman Stadium.
How does the starting rotation look?
The Royals’ 4.94 ERA was second worst in MLB last season. Danny Duffy and Jakob Junis figure to be the top two starters, but staying healthy is a concern. Duffy (8-12, 4.88 ERA) was limited by a shoulder impingement and tendinitis but fanned 141 batters in 2018. Junis also struggled with injury but completed his second year with a 4.37 ERA, 164 strikeouts in 30 games.
Ian Kennedy and Brad Keller appeared to solidify their rotation spots. Keller started the season in the bullpen but led the rotation with a 3.08 ERA, and Kennedy, who faced an oblique strain in July, averaged seven strikeouts per game. Heath Fillmyer, Jesse Hahn and Jorge Lopez will fight for the fifth spot.
— Gabriella Novello