Potential All-Stars for the Royals


The 2022 season has been one to forget to this point; however, the team has had some bright spots in the lineup. 
1. Nicky Lopez
Heading into the 2022 season, Lopez wasn't penciled in as the team's starting shortstop; however, things definitely changed when Adalberto Mondesi went down with a season ending injury. Mondesi's injury opened the door for Lopez to take the shortstop position by the horns, and Lopez has certainly locked down the shortstop position even with the team having the number one prospect in the game in Bobby Witt Jr. Although Lopez has taken the shortstop position with the Royals, his offensive numbers aren't great. But as many fans know, he isn't a power hitter, but he can put the ball in play and be a threat on the bases with his incredible speed. The 27-year old's speed has helped him defensively, allowing him to continue to play gold glove defense like he did in 2021 at second base; but now, he’s doing it at shortstop. In fact, he might be playing better defense at shortstop than he did at second base a season ago. While Lopez's defense is all-star quality, his offensive numbers definitely are not. However, offense doesn't always lead a player to an all-star appearance. Royals fans definitely know that well. Back in 2015, former Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar played in the 2015 All-Star Game along with a gold glove award. In my opinion, Lopez certainly has a shot at representing the Royals in the all-star game.

2. Andrew Benintendi

Like Lopez, Benintendi has been a bright spot for the Royals. However, Andrew Benintendi most likely could be in another uniform before we hit the all-star game. Benintendi's name has been brought up many times throughout the season as a trade candidate for Kansas City. The Royals acquired Benintendi from the Red Sox in 2021 to fill the hole in left field following Alex Gordon's retirement at the end of the 2020 season. Since arriving in Kansas City, Benintendi has produced for the struggling Royals.
 According to MLB.com, "He’s having a career year at the plate, slashing .321/.384/.415.” The Royals’ struggles this season have made the upcoming trade deadline for the team extremely important. Benintendi has put a great season together offensively and defensively. The 27-year old recently won a gold glove in 2021 with Kansas City and has continued to play great defense and offense. Benintendi began the season with a .337 batting average with a .402 on base percentage. The left fielder unfortunately has struggled offensively recently but still has a .315 batting average with a .382 on base percentage. The Royals are hopeful that Benintendi can spark a lot of interest from other teams as the trade deadline nears. I believe a nod to the all-star game for Benintendi can only help his trade value increase allowing the Royals to acquire some great players in return. 

3. Scott Barlow

The Royals bullpen has been a huge disappointment this season to this point after the team added Taylor Clarke and Amir Garrett through free agency and trade. However, Barlow has been a light's out reliever in the Kansas City bullpen. The 29-year old has posted a 1.88 ERA with 22 strikeouts in 24 innings pitched so far this season. Barlow's 2022 season has just been a repeat of his 2021 campaign, and in fact, it's been even better. Like Benintendi, Barlow could be a big name brought up as the trade deadline approaches. However, before the deadline, I believe Barlow has a good shot at representing the Royals in the all-star game.

In my opinion, of the three players mentioned, I believe Lopez is the most deserving of a nod to the all-star game in Los Angeles based on his incredible defense at shortstop. He made the transition from second base without many reps at the shortstop position. Not to mention he’s been able to stick at shortstop even with Bobby Witt Jr playing in the big leagues on a daily basis, forcing Witt Jr. to play third base despite entering the league as a shortstop prospect.



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