MLB Rumors: 5 Prospects who can help Royals in 2018
By Connor Lynch
4. C Meibrys Viloria
Currently listed as the Royals’ No. 19 prospect according to MLB.com, Meibrys Viloria has been with the Royals organization since the age of 16. The 22-year-old catcher from Colombia caught a glimpse of the big leagues as a September call-up in 2018 where he posted a .259 BA in 27 at-bats.
Viloria jumped from A all the way to the MLB last September and played fairly well. He has started the 2019 season in AA, but after the long-term injury to Salvador Perez, Viloria finds himself as one of three catchers on the 40-man roster.
The Royals signed Martin Maldonado in the offseason and he immediately stepped in to the starting role. Maldonado is an outstanding defensive catcher and despite his lackluster performance at the plate, his glove will likely keep him in the starting lineup most days.
However, there is certainly a window for Viloria to earn his way back to the big leagues and get substantial playing time. He has not overwhelmed the stat lines, but scouts believe he has a lot of potential on both sides of the ball.
It is unlikely that Viloria will surpass Maldonado or backup catcher, Cam Gallagher, on the depth chart. However, if things get out of hand this season for the Royals, they will certainly seek opportunities to get Viloria more exposure at the big league level.