Royals Raul Mondesi Jr.: Player to Watch After Promotion?

Raul Mondesi Jr. was just promoted by the Kansas City Royals as they look for some kind of spark to get them out of there current slump. But, is Mondesi Jr. a fantasy player to watch?

The last time we saw Raul Mondesi Jr. was in the 2015 World Series as he would become the youngest player in MLB history to make his debut during the series. Even though he is raw and only 20-years-old, there are a lot of things to like about his game. He is easily the Royals best prospect, and he routinely ranks on the top prospect lists, thanks to his blazing speed and starling defense. But, does he warrant fantasy owners’ attention?

The Royals have had problems all season trying to patch together their infield after injuries, and general lack of production. While Whit Merrifield valiantly tried to fill in at second base, he eventually cooled off and was sent down in favor of Mondesi. While Mondesi promotion may be premature, he does bring a senseof excitement and dynamism to the team, which is something the Royals desperately need.

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Raul Mondesi Jr. is extremely raw, but has ascended all the way to AAA in a matter of only four seasons. In fantasy terms, Mondesi will immediately become a speed threat. He has stolen at least 15 bases at every stop in the minors. In 2016, he has already amassed 24 SB in only 52 games, and that does not even taken into account the 50 game suspension he had to serve to begin the season as well.

The only question will be; can he hit enough right now at the major league level? He has a respectable .268 AVG this season, but an ugly underlying 60 K:17 BB ratio, only reinforces the swing and miss concerns. It is understandable that at only 20, he is still in the early developmental stages, but he could be further exposed by big league pitching.

While homers have been up across baseball, steal totals continue to plummet. The N.L. league leader in steals, has only 36, and in the A.L. things get even uglier, as the leader only has 25 SB. While Mondesi may struggle to bat .260, the potential mid-season SB bonus he could bring for fantasy owners, could become a big difference as we get closer and closer to the fantasy playoffs.

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At worse, Raul Mondesi Jr. is a player to watch over the next few weeks. The Royals desperately need offense from anywhere they can, and they look poised to offer Mondesi every shot they can for him to supply that jump start. He may not be a must add right now, but if he can get out to good start, he will surely become a hot commodity off the waiver wire.