Reporter Yoon-Jun Ko = After a successful first season, Bobby Whit Jr. will start this season as the starting shortstop for the Kansas City Royals. He made his first appearance last year as a third baseman.

Kansas City general manager JJ Piccolo said at the club event ‘Royal’s Rally’ held at Kauffman Stadium on the 5th (Korean time), “We want to see Whit Jr. settle down as a shortstop. I have no doubts that he can play as a big league shortstop.”

Witt Jr. was selected by Kansas City in the first round of the 2019 draft with the second overall pick behind Adley Larchman (Baltimore Orioles).

Afterwards, he raised great expectations as he ranked first in the club’s prospect rankings, and last year he stepped on the major league stage for the first time. He showed a good performance with a batting average of 0.254, 20 homers, 80 RBIs, 82 points, 30 stolen bases, and an OPS of 0.722.

In particular, his debut season 20-20 is the 5th all-time, achieved this season with Julio Rodriguez (Seattle Mariners) and Witt Jr. 메이저사이트

However, the problem was defense. Initially, he was rated as a shortstop with good defense, but his DRS -4 at third base and DRS -18 at shortstop fell short of expectations.

However, general manager Piccolo said, “Honestly, it is true that we did not show a good performance in defense. However, during the last six weeks of the season, the defensive play turned upside down, and it seemed to be adapting to the major leagues.”

He continued, “I am currently talking to the young players on the team. It will be decided according to the level of adaptation of the players.” It is not known which player Piccolo discussed with, but according to ‘MLB Trade Rumors,’ Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, Brady Singer, and MJ Melendez were predicted to be candidates.