4. Opening part of the Royals’ season
Generally speaking, placing too much importance on the early part of the season is ill advised. The best teams generally start to show themselves when the weather gets hot, arms get tired and the injuries start.
But how the Kansas City starts 2017 is quite important.
Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Alcides Escobar and Lorenzo Cain are all free agents following the season. The Royals may bring a few of those guys back. But realistically, some of those players are in their final year with the team.
When teams lose their stalwart players, getting something back is important. When it’s a small-market team like Kansas City, a solid return is vital.
If, however, the Royals start strong and appear to be legitimate playoff contenders, the sale may be put on hold. The sting of losing so many key players in 2018 will be somewhat negated by a playoff appearance in 2017, especially if it’s accompanied by another deep run.
But if Kansas City is hanging around .500 (or worse), look for a firesale. If that happens, this season becomes significantly less predictable. These are impact players that can all be the difference between a mediocre and good, or even good and great.