SURPRISE, Ariz. — It’s day two of Royals Spring Training. Coaches and players are starting to settle in and focus on their main goal — becoming a championship club once again.
But there also are individual goals. For Royals outfielder Bubba Starling, it’s staying in the majors.
The Kansas native was the fifth overall pick in the 2011 MLB Draft. After years of work, Starling made his MLB debut in July 2019. Royals manager Mike Matheny and Starling have had conversations about the player's struggles.
"Just overcoming those struggles, staying confident. Showing up every day, being positive, being a good teammate," Starling said. "I think if you take care of those things, you'll be better on the field. It will just take care of itself."
Although he's only been through one day of spring training, Starling is excited about the direction the Royals are headed.
"Some of the guys have been here for a few days, great being out on the field," Starling said. "Weather, obviously, was great. A little different than back home in Kansas City. A new manager, new owner, new coaches, some new faces, I think all of us guys are really excited for that."
