3 Royals Prospects Who Should Make Opening Day Roster if Minor League Season is Canceled
Kansas City Royals third baseman Kelvin Gutierrez / Ed Zurga/Getty Images
The MLB is reportedly eyeing a late-June or early-July resumption, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the minor league season is guaranteed to be played out. A potential cancellation would serve as a further boost to clubs around the majors that boast elite farm systems.
The Kansas City Royals, who don't figure to do much winning in 2020, fall under that exact category. Here are three of KC's top prospects that should make the Opening Day roster if the minor league campaign is postponed.
3. Jackson Kowar
Royals right-hander Jackson Kowar pitching in the 2017 College World Series / Peter Aiken/Getty Images
Pitching depth will be needed more than ever once play resumes and the Royals just so happen to have a plethora of promising prospects in their farm system. Kowar, 23, finished with a 3.52 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 148.1 innings across Single- and Double-A last season. Kansas City's pitching staff leaves a lot to be desired and Kowar, the club's No. 4 ranked prospect, per MLB.com, could be a valuable asset out of the bullpen in 2020.
2. Brady Singer
Royals right-hander Brady Singer pitching in the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game / Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images
Singer would have spent most, if not all, of the 2020 campaign at Triple-A, and that should see him awarded the chance to prove his spot on the big league roster. MLB.com has the 23-year-old ranked as the Royals' No. 2 prospect, and he was utterly dominant last season. In 26 starts (148.1 innings), Singer logged a 2.85 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 138 strikeouts. He thoroughly deserves a spot on the Opening Day roster.
1. Kelvin Gutierrez
Royals 3B Kelvin Gutierrez / John Sleezer/Getty Images
There aren't many prospects in the Royals' farm system that have a ton of Triple-A experience under their belts, but Gutierrez is absolutely one of them. Per MLB.com, the 25-year-old third baseman is the club's No. 21 prospect. Gutierrez appeared in 20 games for KC in 2019, and he's a good bet to make the Opening Day roster this time around.