The Royals announced today that they have optioned first baseman Ryan O’Hearn. He’ll be replaced on the active roster by outfielder Jorge Bonifacio.
It’s a somewhat disappointing moment for an organization that needs all the bright spots it can get. O’Hearn came out of nowhere in 2018, slashing a whopping .262/.353/.597 and popping a dozen long balls over 213 plate appearances. That didn’t really line up with his upper-minors numbers, leaving cause for skepticism, but the K.C. club was undoubtedly hopeful it had stumbled onto a gem.
Things just haven’t gone as hoped thus far in 2019. O’Hearn has maintained an 11+% walk rate and even slightly lowered his strikeout rate to 24.4%, but his power has fallen off a cliff. Through 213 plate appearances, he has hit half as many dingers as he did last year and has seen sharp declines in barrel percent and exit velocity. The result is less than half the isolated power mark he posted in 2018 (.336 versus .145).
The Royals provided O’Hearn with ample leash but ultimately had to make a move. While he tries to figure things out at Triple-A, veteran slugger Lucas Duda will try to find his own groove in the majors. If Duda can take advantage of steadier playing time, he could yet be a trade piece for the Royals.
As for Bonifacio, this isn’t exactly a case of a former top prospect forcing his way back into the picture. The once-hyped 26-year-old disappointed in the majors last year and hasn’t responded thus far in 2019. After a brutal winter league showing, he has started the current campaign with 240 plate appearances of .195/.250/.395 hitting at Omaha. It seems the plan is to use him as a gap-filler while Hunter Dozier works back from the injured list.
Why are they waiting on calling up Bubba Starling?
Bubba isn’t on the 40 man and is out of options. When they bring him up, they have to be sure he is ready. They brought Bonifacio up just for a few games, Dozier should be back next week.
No options.
He has no minor league options left. They need to be sure because once they add him back to the roster it’s permanent unless they outright him again & he only has so many of those I believe.
Plus, with younger guys like Khalil Lee….
I also wonder how Derek was BETTER than George Springer?
They have nothing to lose by purchasing his contract. They’d lose him as a minor league free agent after this season anyway. He’s not only (finally) mastered AAA, he’s straight up dominating and only getting better. Makes no sense since his (advanced) age certainly isn’t a factor.
Just relax….they will bring him up once they trade Hamilton. Then he will have a open spot in the outfield to play every day. If they brought him up right now, where would he start at????
I don’t know about straight up dominating, but he sure figured out how to hit a single
I wouldn’t say he’s dominating. He has no power and takes very few walks.
But damn he can hit a single with the best of them
BUBBA! BUBBA!
That is what I am wondering
Yes and let’s play the has been Lucas Duda? Why would Dayton even bring this guy back.
Because Dayton is too much of an old softie. Just be glad he didn’t keep Brandon Maurer for the bullpen!