In 2016, Cheslor Cuthbert, Whit Merrifield and Matt Strahm all played important roles for the Royals in their rookie campaigns.
Who, if anyone, is ready to make a similar jump in 2017?
Matt Strahm, 25, LHP
OK, we’re not really going out on a limb here. Strahm, who spent two years at Neosho County Community College in southeast Kansas – go Jayhawk Conference! – was a revelation out of the bullpen for the Royals last year, posting a 1.23 ERA in 22 innings of relief. The lanky lefty struck out 30 against just 11 walks in his first big league action.