Player to watch: Alex Rios
Mar 11, 2015; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals right fielder Alex Rios (15) swings the bat against the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Royals general manager Dayton Moore never gave much effort to resigning Aoki, but rebounded quite well signing Rios to a one-year deal. Rios is more of a run producer than Aoki but can also do some damage on the base paths. He was 17-25 in stolen bases attempts.
While the steals are nice, the Royals need Rios to regain his power. To go from 18 homers in 2013 to four last season is alarming. So alarming that it’s hard to believe it will happen again.
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In his final full season with the Chicago White Sox, Rios hit .304 with 25 home runs and drove in 91 runs.
If the Rios can get that guy in the middle of their order this season, the Royals stand as good a chance as any team in the American League Central to win the division.
I think a Rios rebound is much more likely than a breakthrough year from Hosmer or Moustakas at this point.
Next: Royals: 5 on the farm to watch for