Because in the end, no matter how well he hits, Mondesi will still have to handle the rigors of shortstop across a 162-game season. The larceny included Mondesi taking second base rather easily after going on first movement against Toronto lefty Ryan Borucki.įor now, it is simply impressive to watch Mondesi hit a baseball 437 feet - the longest homer by a Royals middle infielder in the Statcast era. In a 6-5 loss to the Blue Jays on Tuesday, Mondesi finished with a career-high four hits and three stolen bases. And in a season of lost weeks and miserable months, the patience is rewarded in little moments. But if he is to be more than that - if he is to become a crucial piece of the Royals’ future - this season’s progress will have represented the baby steps before the next leap. For now, the Royals are still betting on the talent, still banking on the tools and the seasoning to come. It seems likely, of course, that Mondesi will enter next spring as the favorite to start at shortstop in 2019.
In 349 career plate appearances, he has struck out 108 times against 12 walks. Mondesi entered Friday with 38 strikeouts and three walks in 40 games. If you are searching for evidence of increased patience, the numbers are difficult to find.
Royals shortstop plus#
For instance: If Mondesi had enough at-bats to qualify for a batting title, his 93 Weighted Runs Created Plus would still rank 10th among American League shortstops. He also has 15 stolen bases in 18 attempts, showcasing his blazing speed.Īnd yet, the cynics can still point to the fact that advanced offensive metrics show measured progress. He has 13 extra-base hits in 140 plate appearances, slugging. 497 OPS and striking out 70 times in 72 games in 20, Mondesi finally looks comfortable against major-league pitching. And if you are seeking to parse statistics, the line offered something for skeptics and believers.
Royals shortstop series#
“Dayton felt like he did down the road,” Yost said, recalling the conversation in his office this week.Īs the Royals opened a three-game series against the White Sox on Friday, Mondesi was batting.
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