I realize that the Royals will likely suck this year but I think they might do better than many believe.
Looking at the roster, there's a lot to like. The depth chart from the Royals website:
Pitcher-Duffy, Kennedy, Hammel. Duffy is Duffy and if Kennedy and Hammel can get things figured out could be a nice 1-2-3 starting rotation.
Catcher-Salvy, Butera. Salvy is the man and Butters is a good back-up.
1st Base-Duda, Dozier. Duda is a proven MLB player that will provide some pop. The expectation should be for Dozier to take over by the end of the season.
2nd Base-Whit, Mondesi. Two Hit Whit is really all we need.
Third-Cuthbert. Probably the weakest part of the infield, because of the lack of depth behind Cuthbert.
Short-Esky, Mondesi. We know what we'll get from Esky. Hopefully Mondesi can come around and be a viable replacement come 2019.
Left-Gordon.
Center-Orlando. Good speed, will wait and see how he covers the field, but probably second weakest spot behind third.
Right-Bonifacio, Soler. Up in the air, but it's right field. No need to overthink things.
DH-Soler, Bonifacio. I'm guessing Duda gets some DH work as does Salvy. Decent power at DH, but strikeouts have to be avoided from that spot this year.
Bullpen-Probably where things fall apart. The only name I recognize and trust is Herrera. Maurer didn't impress last year.
I think the hitting and fielding will be there, but the pitching outside of Duffy and Herrera (who may not have many opportunities to pitch in save situations) is what will hold this team back. Maybe someone like Junis will surprise, or another arm in the bullpen. I can see a lot of 6-4 leads in the 7th turning into 8-7 losses this season.