Headlines

  • Ben Joyce Undergoes Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery
  • Dodgers Promote Dalton Rushing, Designate Austin Barnes For Assignment
  • Major League Baseball Rules That Permanent Ineligibility Ends At Death
  • Rangers Place Corey Seager On Injured List
  • Cubs Promote Moises Ballesteros
  • Evan Longoria To Sign One-Day Contract, Retire As Member Of Rays
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2024-25 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2025
    • Free Agent Contest Leaderboard
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

On The Royals’ Pair Of Potential Stars

By Jeff Todd | May 6, 2020 at 9:02am CDT

The Royals are trying to pull off a tough feat: a quick, low-pain rebound in place of a lengthy slog of a rebuild. That’s a tall task for any organization, but especially for a small-market franchise that pushed a lot of chips onto the table as part of a successful effort to maximize a recent window of contention.

As you might expect, the development of existing players is critical to this effort — as much or more than prospects, the younger big leaguers who’ll be relied upon to produce in the next few seasons. It’s absolutely critical for the K.C. organization to find some big-time production from players who aren’t commanding big salaries. Otherwise, deciding to hang onto Whit Merrifield, Salvador Perez, and other veterans could really sting in the long run.

The Royals have a pair of pre-arbitration players whose up-and-down careers to this point suggest equal parts upside and uncertainty. At times, shortstop Adalberto Mondesi and corner outfielder/infielder Hunter Dozier have performed like stars. But can they do so sustainably?

There’s plenty at stake for all parties. Both Mondesi and Dozier enter the 2020 season with two full years of MLB service, but not enough to reach Super Two status. Accordingly, they’ll be playing for their first big payday — as first-time arbitration-eligible players — whenever this campaign gets underway.

These two players have notable lineages and abundant physical ability. Mondesi’s dad had a long and excellent MLB career. Dozier was the eighth overall pick in the 2013 draft.

Their careers have certainly seen some peaks and valleys from those starting points. Mondesi shot up onto top-prospect rankings and burst onto the MLB scene with his first extended action in 2018, when he showed a rare blend of power (14 home runs in 291 plate appearances) and speed (32 stolen bases). But he took a step back at the plate last year — he posted an 82 wRC+ and Statcast credited him with a putrid .282 xwOBA — and ended up being shelved late in the season with shoulder surgery that he’s still fully recovering from.

Dozier’s dip came earlier in his professional career, as he struggled to convert promise into production in the minors. Health issues also intervened. By the end of the 2018 campaign, Dozier seemed likely to be a bust. He had reached but struggled at the MLB level and wasn’t hitting much in the upper minors. And then came 2019 … when Dozier suddenly broke out at the game’s highest level. He launched 26 long balls and posted a .279/.348/.522 slash line over 586 plate appearances, producing 85th percentile exit velocity and 80th percentile sprint speed. While Statcast still saw some good fortune in the batted-ball outcomes (.337 xwOBA vs. .360 wOBA), that hardly took the sheen off of a breakthrough campaign.

I’m not going to tell you I know what to expect from this duo. Each has struggled with swings and misses at some points, but also shown an ability to produce despite occasionally hefty strikeout rates. Their respective power potential has likewise alternately shown up and fallen off.

The upside here is tremendous. At his best, in 2018, a 22-year-old, switch-hitting Mondesi produced 2.5 rWAR and 2.8 fWAR in less than a half-season. He could be a true superstar if he can return to that level of output over a full campaign. Dozier was a 3.2 rWAR/3.0 fWAR performer in 139 games last year. That also reflects poor baserunning numbers and defensive grades at third base. Dozier graded better in right field, where he’ll appear primarily in 2020. Perhaps there’s still more upside in that regard.

There’s a load of overall uncertainty in Kansas City, but also some intriguing talent. The team’s other obvious boom-or-bust players — Maikel Franco, Jorge Soler, Danny Duffy — are set for free agency after 2021. Then there’s a host of younger players and prospects that have yet to put down much or any track record in the majors. Mondesi and Dozier occupy a middle ground of experience and contractual control that makes the 2020 season particularly pivotal for them and the team. If these two can settle in as steady stars, the Royals could be looking at three more campaigns apiece of cost-controlled quality to build around.

Share 0 Retweet 5 Send via email0

Kansas City Royals MLBTR Originals

The Rays’ Next Breakout Reliever?
Main
Collin McHugh On Rehab Progress, Red Sox Role
View Comments (31)
Post a Comment

31 Comments

  1. Dom2

    5 years ago

    Adalberto Mondesi has MASSIVE POTENTIAL. I think with some improvements he will become the next DJ LeMahieu but with better base running ability and power. I think he will cut the strikeouts back and get a fairly better eye. If you have watched him play you know the upside he brings.

    1
    Reply
    • bigo-show

      5 years ago

      Big potential but I don’t think he’ll ever hit consistently above .265

      1
      Reply
      • RunDMC

        5 years ago

        In 2018, he had 14 HR in only 75 games (291 PA). Last year was a step back with more K’s, but if he can be a bit more selective and cutdown on strikeouts (famous last words), he could be incredible. That being said, his defense is still good and has pop, so maybe he doesn’t need to hit that far above .265. I wonder if he could be a poor man’s Paul DeJong with more speed.

        1
        Reply
        • bjupton100

          5 years ago

          I believe they should trade him to the Rays. I’d slot him in at 3rd (if he has the arm) and see what he can do. Reminds me a hair bit of Moncada. Rays have depth. The Royals should have definitely already traded Merrifield. I don’t believe they thought they’d compete so why not cash in on Kennedy, Perez, and Merrifield?

          Reply
        • AssumeFactsNotInEvidence

          5 years ago

          Wtf? A poor man’s Paul DeJong with more speed? You mean a better Paul DeJong?

          Reply
    • LouisianaAstros

      5 years ago

      LeMahieu’s greatest strength is that teams don’t shift on him.

      Haven’t watched Mondesi enough to make that compassion.

      Reply
    • Joggin’George

      5 years ago

      He doesn’t get on base enough and I doubt he can improve enough in that area to be a good offensive player…. glove is great though

      Reply
    • hammer_time24

      5 years ago

      LeMahieu is one of the better contact hitters of the past decade. Sure, Mondesi has plenty of upside, but he doesn’t have close to the hit tool that DJ does.

      Reply
  2. 1738hotlinebling

    5 years ago

    Why do people always report Salvador Perez as an option to trade as if he ever was ? Can you imagine Yadi in another uniform , it’s not happening lol, he’ll be here winning the WS again with Bobby Witt, Nick Pratto, Khalil Lee Nick Heath, Kyle Bubic and Brady Singer real soon

    1
    Reply
    • dvail1979

      5 years ago

      You forgot potentially their biggest upside young SP in your list … Daniel Lynch .. He could easily lead that Kansas City rotation for years

      2
      Reply
      • 1738hotlinebling

        5 years ago

        Oh yeh him too, they’res just so much good talent coming up , Kower also , maybe summer will turn it around , Keller and Duffy get back to form to keep a veteran presence , keep Whit and Doz and Mondi maybe trade some lower pieces for Josh Bell after Soler leaves , The future looks bright in KC

        Reply
        • Brixton

          5 years ago

          I think Perez remains a Royal for the sole purpose that KC wouldn’t take fair value for him and would demand an overpay.

          1
          Reply
        • hofstracat

          5 years ago

          So you think EVERY one of our prospects will work out? The reality of it is Salvy is not in the same body mold as Yadi. Yadi is compact, salvy is tall and will only breakdown faster because of that unless they move him to 1B. The bottom line is you can’t possibly expect every prospect to work out and sometimes you have to let go of your favorites to improve. Everyone hated the Grienke trade until it worked out. Gordo, another example of holding on for way too much $$$. I will say I think Whit needs to be moved before Salvy though. You’ll get new favorites.

          Reply
    • RunDMC

      5 years ago

      Sal is 30 y/o and a free agent in 2022 who has steadily lost offensive potency since 2013 and figures to continue that downtrend as he ages. He still would be a nice trade piece for a team in need as an alternative to Realmuto, but KC won’t be getting what they’ll want for a cornerstone and a deal won’t be consummated. I don’t blame them that they don’t want to be what just happen to CLE, trading a franchise icon for a discount (and see your return (Clase) have a PR implosion).

      1
      Reply
      • FattKemp

        5 years ago

        Unrelated but Emmanuel Clase looks exactly like Mookie Betts. Mookie’s Dad had a wild time in the DR 40 years ago and he unknowingly fathered another one. That’s my conspiracy theory for the day.

        Reply
      • brandons-3

        5 years ago

        If you think the Kluber trade was a PR hit for the Indians, wait until they ship Lindor’s bags (or worse: Let him walk for nothing).

        1
        Reply
        • seth3120

          5 years ago

          I’ve heard some say the Indians have a strong front office and maybe it’s just ownership/finances but to lose a WS you were in the drivers seat to win and move so many guys in such a weak division seems crazy to me. The jury is still out and I’m an arm chair gm but since they lost it seems like others took steps forward while they seem to be retooling. That’s a strategy for a .500 team the past year not the AL champs.

          Reply
        • brandons-3

          5 years ago

          When picking a World Series team, I always get emotional and root for the storyline that resonates most with me. (It’s always been fun to be emotionally invested in a team, even if just for one series.) Obviously, the Cubs’ drought meant I was rooting for the Cubs that series, but it was really difficult to root against the city of Cleveland that year. One of the few World Series that I would’ve been okay either way.

          Reply
    • LouisianaAstros

      5 years ago

      Perez has two years left.

      Their options as of right now are unlimited.

      But Perez comes back this year and plays well you think he will be asking for a good deal after 2021
      The question becomes what do the Royals do.

      KC is going to have to make a choice. To say he won’t ever leave KC is denying the obvious for now.

      Reply
    • The Human Rain Delay

      5 years ago

      Id guess b/c their around a last place team now and there is a Big need for Quality C around the league that could fetch a nice haul

      Reply
  3. Rangers29

    5 years ago

    I am curious what KC would demand for Dozier? I really wanted Texas to get him last off-season before he became an un-tradeable piece. Here’s to another made up trade proposal.

    Maybe this:

    Tex gets: Hunter Dozier

    KC gets: Davis Wendzel, Joe Palumbo, and Eli White

    Who says no?

    Reply
    • Javia

      5 years ago

      Royals say no. Maybe Texas could have gotten him before 2019, but it will be a lot harder now. Any trade would BEGIN with Josh Jung and have at least 1 more piece. They won’t trade a player who has just proven himself to be a quality major leaguer for a group of low level prospects

      Reply
      • Rangers29

        5 years ago

        We would not start with/or include Josh Jung in a package for Dozier. I understand he had a good 19′, but he is our top prospect, he would be the start of talks for Nolan, but not Dozier. Wendlez as also taken in the 19′ draft, but just in the compensation round, he’s around 10th in the Rangers farm. Palumbo is a good AAA arm almost ready for the bigs, and he is still young (plus he is a Rangers top 10 prospect). Eli White is a speedy, defensive first center fielder who has also came around with the bat last season in AAA. At best he is a speedy, defensive, 4th outfielder with some pop. I understand Dozier had a great 19′, but I think this deal could get it done.

        Reply
        • Javia

          5 years ago

          I understand that you greatly value Rangers prospects Rangers29. The problem is that KC already has Dozier and wants to keep him. He has big value for them and they don’t have a high quality ready-made replacement. Yes Franco can play 3B for them but they would lose a lot of offense. The Rangers would have to make the Royals an offer they can’t refuse to get Dozier. Otherwise they will just refuse. 3 Rangers prospects in their 10-15 range MAY be fair value, possibly, but it won’t convince the Royals to make the trade.

          Reply
    • The Human Rain Delay

      5 years ago

      KC, and it would hurt you with that team for even asking in future trade possibilitites

      Reply
    • cygnus2112

      5 years ago

      Solak (along with at least 2 more prospects in their top 30) would have to be part of any transaction I would imagine…

      Reply
  4. hOsEbEeLiOn

    5 years ago

    Really? Pair of Kings would be a better headline.

    1
    Reply
  5. astrosarecheaters2017

    5 years ago

    They need to trade whit. Isn’t he combing up on his age 32 season? They are in a rebuilding phase and they need more top prospects, they are in a crappy spot because they decided not to trade either Perez or Whit these past seasons, they clearly have no chance of competing unless they make some smart moves

    Reply
    • The Human Rain Delay

      5 years ago

      I def think they should have pushed it earlier this offseason –

      Sd makes all the sense in the world, hell even take back some bad Will Meyers money to sweeten the pot –

      Reply
  6. seth3120

    5 years ago

    When the Cardinals were out I was pulling for the Royals to win it all big time and I’m glad they did. But I don’t know that this team is that close. The division is bad but the White Sox have their own up and comers and deeper pockets. I wish them luck but these two and a number of other prospects need to pan out to be at least major league contributors at low cost and that’s hard to imagine.

    Reply
  7. Chris Lee

    5 years ago

    Dozier was only a 1st round draft pick because Royals were trying to save money to draft Sean M. He has become a decent player, but don’t get too excited based on when he was drafted.

    Salvy will always mean more to the Royals than to another team. Someone mentioned his body size, and remember his injuries. Keep Salvy for intangibles. His trade value left the station long ago.

    I love Whit, but if a team ever gives the Royals market value for him, they must move him. DM cannot let emotion factor into this unless he knows something we don’t about immediate contention for the playoffs.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Ben Joyce Undergoes Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery

    Dodgers Promote Dalton Rushing, Designate Austin Barnes For Assignment

    Major League Baseball Rules That Permanent Ineligibility Ends At Death

    Rangers Place Corey Seager On Injured List

    Cubs Promote Moises Ballesteros

    Evan Longoria To Sign One-Day Contract, Retire As Member Of Rays

    Diamondbacks To Promote Jordan Lawlar

    Rockies Fire Bud Black

    Cubs Promote Cade Horton

    Rafael Devers Unwilling To Play First Base

    Pirates Fire Manager Derek Shelton

    Mariners Claim Leody Taveras

    Rangers Hire Bret Boone As Hitting Coach

    A.J. Minter To Undergo Season-Ending Lat Surgery

    Blue Jays Sign Spencer Turnbull

    Blue Jays Sign José Ureña

    Ross Stripling Retires

    Rangers Place Leody Taveras On Outright Waivers

    Triston Casas Likely To Miss Entire 2025 Season Due To Knee Surgery

    Orioles Recall Coby Mayo

    Recent

    The Mariners Need To Shake Up Their Offense

    Guardians To Activate Slade Cecconi

    Mets’ Anthony Gose, Jon Singleton Trigger Upward Mobility Clauses

    Fantasy Baseball: Happy Stabilization Day!

    Kristian Campbell Taking Drills At First Base

    Twins Place Carlos Correa On Concussion IL

    Diamondbacks Place Eduardo Rodríguez On IL With Shoulder Inflammation

    Athletics Option Osvaldo Bido, Designate Jason Alexander For Assignment

    Pirates Select Nick Solak

    Rockies Select Carson Palmquist

    ad: 300x250_5_side_mlb

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • 2024-25 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • Nolan Arenado Rumors
    • Dylan Cease Rumors
    • Luis Robert Rumors
    • Marcus Stroman Rumors

     

    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • 2024-25 Offseason Outlook Series
    • 2025 Arbitration Projections
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version