The 2022 Kansas City Royals are not going anywhere: they are 48-69, in fourth place of the AL Central division and with no hope of making the playoffs.
That’s why they traded star outfielder Andrew Benintendi.
However, there is little doubt that the 2023 Royals have the potential not only to be among MLB’s most exciting young teams, but they can also fight for a postseason spot if things break right.
They have a solid core of young hitters, but one of them has been particularly hot in recent games: first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino.
“Vinnie Pasquantino’s last 7 games: .440 AVG (11-for-25), 5 HR, 8 RBI, 7 R, 1.580 OPS. As we were saying, Kansas City has some young studs,” MLB Network tweeted on Tuesday.
Vinnie Pasquantino's last 7 games:
.440 AVG (11-for-25)
5 HR
8 RBI
7 R
1.580 OPSAs we were saying, Kansas City has some young studs 💎@Royals | #TogetherRoyal | @VPasquantino pic.twitter.com/d6XpgxUERv
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) August 16, 2022
Pasquantino is part of a young wave of hitters trying to make their presence felt in Kansas.
Pasquantino Is Part Of A Talented Group Of Royals Hitters
Bobby Witt Jr. and MJ Melendez are having very good rookie seasons, and Nick Pratto is trying to establish himself, too.
Pasquantino, however, is by far the hottest of them all and may very well end up being the best hitter.
As a prospect, he wasn’t as highly regarded as Witt, but some publications had him close their top 100 prospects list.
He has a swing geared for power, and while he probably won’t win a batting title, he can finish with some decent numbers in the category.
He is also very patient, and can work lots of walks.
Overall, his stat line is .261/.345/.458, with eight home runs and a .803 OPS.
At peak, we can expect Pasquantino to contribute 30-35 home runs with a solid .270-.280 average and a .360 OBP.
Those numbers would fit in nicely in the middle of the rebuilding Royals lineup.
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