MLB Rumors: 5 Prospects who can help Royals in 2018
By Connor Lynch
3. INF Nicky Lopez
Although he is not currently on the 40-man roster, Nicky Lopez had a very impressive 2018 across the AA and AAA levels and if he continues the success, the Royals will likely give him a shot at the biggest stage in baseball.
Lopez was drafted by the Royals in the fifth round out of Creighton in 2016 and currently ranks as the No. 8 Royals prospect according to MLB.com. He has predominantly played shortstop throughout his life, but has the versatility and defensive capabilities to play at second base, third base or even outfield.
Lopez is a prototypical contact-hitting middle infielder. With decent speed, Lopez focuses on putting the ball in play which helped him on his way to a .308 BA in 2018. He is comparable to Royals offseason signing, Chris Owings.
Owings was signed in hopes that his defensive versatility, speed and veteran approach at the plate would help the Royals by filling in at different positions on a (nearly) everyday basis. Eight games are certainly not enough to make major roster adjustments, but Owings has been the biggest weakspot in the lineup, and it’s not even close.
Lopez seemingly has a lot going for him and doesn’t have much resistance on his path to moving up the depth chart. He will almost assuredly be on the active roster come September, and if Owings’ struggles continue, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Lopez even sooner.