These Kansas City Royals could break out in 2020.
The Kansas City Royals are likely going to reside near the bottom of the AL Central due to the fact that a team that hasn’t won 60 games since 2017 didn’t add a ton of new impact players over the course of the offseason. Mike Matheny’s bunch might not be in line for a deep October run, but that doesn’t change the fact that there is plenty of talent on this roster, namely Whit Merrifield and AL home run king Jorge Soler.
While 162 games of this roster might have been a rough watch, 60 games present Kansas City with a unique opportunity to show just how their young core is starting to form. In addition to the likes of Soler and Adalberto Mondesi looking to put up strong seasons once again, these three Royals have the chance to really assert themselves as studs in 2020.
Look for these three Kansas City Royals to break out.
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Franchy Cordero
OF Kansas City Royal
Cordero is as late an acquisition as they come, as he was just picked up from the San Diego Padres in exchange for reliever Tim Hill. While Cordero mustered just 10 home runs during his three-year Padre career, the 6-3 Cordero could easily assume a starting role, as his sweet swing, raw power, and howitzer of an arm in the outfield are all plus traits.
Cordero was let down in San Diego by inconsistent playing time and a pitcher-friendly Petco Park. In Kansas City, where he should get more playing time due in part to a less than stellar outfield, his prodigious power might finally get the chance to shine in a full-time role. He just needs to make sure he has learned how to make more consistent contact.
If he can fix that flaw, Kansas City might have stolen a starter with oodles of untapped potential.