Fansided

Top 10 MLB sleeper teams for 2017

By Joshua Sadlock

Sep 19, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) fields the ball in the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) fields the ball in the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 28, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (35) rcelebrates after hitting a two run homerun in the third inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (35) rcelebrates after hitting a two run homerun in the third inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Kansas City Royals

The end is near for the mini-dynasty put together in Kansas City. The Royals are staring down free agencies of their three best hitters, Eric Hosmer, Lorenzo Cain, and Mike Moustakas. All-Star closer Wade Davis was already dealt away, and steady starter Edinson Volquez signed with the Marlins.

There are still enough pieces in place for the Royals to convince themselves they have a shot at contending in 2017. Alex Gordon must bounce back from a horrendous season in 2016. The return in the Davis trade, Jorge Soler, needs to have the breakout season that has been in the works for years. New addition Brandon Moss should do a passable job imitating Kendrys Morales and giving the middle of the contact-first lineup some pop.

The Royals will be made or broken by their starting rotation this year. Can Danny Duffy put together a full season of strong pitching? That remains to be seen, but the front office felt good enough about him to make a $65-million offer. Ian Kennedy in the two-hole is a bit of a stretch, and Jason Hammel and Nate Karns may be asked to do more than they are capable of.

Kansas City still has a solid lineup and bullpen. The AL Central is still watered down, and either the Royals or the Detroit Tigers can take advantage of the weakness of the Twins or Chicago White Sox and make a run at the playoffs. If things turn sour, however, there may be some big names on the move out of KC at the deadline.

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