10 biggest MLB surprises in 2015: Hitters

I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t think the acquisition of Kendrys Morales would have much of an effect on the Kansas City Royals‘ offense in 2015, especially having lost Billy Butler over the winter.

The designated hitter had a very poor 2014 season in which he played for two clubs and couldn’t muster up much on offense as he played just 98 games. In fact, he hit a measly .218 with just eight homers and 42 RBI just one year after putting up 23 home runs and 80 RBI.

Coming into the 2015 season, the Royals put a little bit of pressure on him to be the missing piece to the World Series puzzle in the batting order. He has provided just what the doctor ordered, hitting .290 with 17 home runs and 101 RBI.

The 32-year-old’s average is his highest since 2009 and his RBI total is on pace to break his career-best of 108 — also set in 2009 with the Angels.

Morales might not look like your typical baseball star, but he’s performing better than anyone could have hoped or expected. Not too often do you see a 32-year-old player come off a career-worst year and have a potentially career-best season.

Next: 9. Chris Davis