KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Just four days into full squad training, the Kansas City Royals have big expectations for the 2021 season.
On Thursday, Royals second baseman Whit Merrifield, said the club expects to make the playoffs, something Kansas City hasn't done since 2015.
"We expect to compete in our division, have a chance to win it and we expect to be playing in the Fall"#Royals #ForeverRoyal #RaisedRoyal https://t.co/V1ZeHvHQKU pic.twitter.com/S1s8CLJ3gA
— Hayley Lewis 👑 (@HayleyLewisKSHB) February 25, 2021
Making the playoffs is easier said than done, but Merrifield thinks with the Royals' offseason additions they'll have an even better chance.
The team snagged free-agent first baseman, Carlos Santana, on a two-year contract.
Kansas City also brought in some young talent in Andrew Benintendi from the Boston Red Sox in a three team deal.
With the new additional power at the plate, Merrifield hopes to score a few more runs.
What does the addition of Carlos Santana & Andrew Benintendi mean to Whit?
— Hayley Lewis 👑 (@HayleyLewisKSHB) February 25, 2021
More runs 😎🔥🤟#RaisedRoyal #ForeverRoyal #KCRoyals pic.twitter.com/2u9P55mq8h
Ahead of an actually full spring training, Merrifield says the keys to making the postseason will be worked out during camp.
“Well hopefully we can break camp with more than two starting pitchers," Merrifield said. "Hopefully we will have Hunter Dozier in the lineup, hopefully Salvy’s eyes are good and hopefully we can have late in the year Mondi (Adalberto Mondesí) come out of the gate and if we do those things watch out were coming in hot.”
With the right amount of preparation, a young offensive core, plus veteran talent and leadership, you can expect Merrifield to be right on the money with his postseason predictions.
