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MLB Free Agency 2017: 5 potential landing spots for Zack Cozart

By Joshua Sadlock

CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 20: Zack Cozart #2 of the Cincinnati Reds bats during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park on September 20, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Cardinals won 9-2. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 20: Zack Cozart #2 of the Cincinnati Reds bats during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park on September 20, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Cardinals won 9-2. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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4. Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals have not tried to hide their desire to keep both Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas. That is a lofty goal, and something that is unlikely to come to pass. However, it is not out of the question to think that Dayton Moore can scrounge up enough cash to keep at least one. If that does happen, the Royals will be signalling their confidence that they can continue contending even with a flawed roster.

In addition to potentially losing their first baseman, third baseman and center fielder, the Royals are also losing shortstop Alcides Escobar and have no strong in-house options to replace him. Some might argue Escobar should have been replaced in the middle of last season after hitting .250/.272/.357 with six home runs and 15 walks, but he played in all 162 games. It may have been easier to jettison Escobar to the bench for manager Ned Yost, but top shortstop prospect Raul Mondesi hit only .170/.214/.245 in 25 games.

Mondesi should and will get another chance to stick with the Royals as a full-time starter in 2018, but his best position may be center field, where he can be utilized to replace All-Star Lorenzo Cain. He was once considered a top prospect in MLB circles, but has fallen out of favor after hitting .181 in his first 72 games with 70 strikeouts and only nine walks.

The Royals want to re-sign Hosmer and/or Moustakas and continue winning, but will need to do more than just keep the pair of top free agents. They will need a replacement for Escobar at shortstop. Zack Cozart could still be squeezed into their budget and is an upgrade over the outgoing starter. Signing Cozart would also take pressure off Mondesi and potentially allow him to take more time to mature.

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