MLB Hot Stove: Kansas City Royals preview

Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals players celebrate on the field after defeating the New York Mets in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. The Royals won the World Series four games to one. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals players celebrate on the field after defeating the New York Mets in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. The Royals won the World Series four games to one. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Bench

Salvador Perez has played a ton over the past two seasons. The Royals need to find a way to get him some more rest. They dealt away Francisco Pena earlier this off-season and traded for Cardinals backup catcher Tony Cruz to compete with Drew Butera in the backup role.

Along the infield, World Series hero Christian Colon finds himself in the backup infield spot, and may even find himself competing for the second base job. Cheslor Cuthbert can play first or third base and he may find himself in that backup spot. The Royals could add a minor league free agent or two to compete for the spot.

In the outfield, Jarrod Dyson and Paulo Orlando will serve as the backups if the Royals can upgrade their outfield. The Royals have other bench options as well for the outfield like Terrance Gore, Reymond Fuentes and former first round pick Bubba Starling.

The Royals again should be among the elite teams in baseball. With a couple of additions this off-season, this team again should be competing for a championship in 2016.

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