The Kansas City Royals are set to face the New York Mets in Game 1 of the 2015 World Series tonight. Just hours before the Fall Classic is set to begin, manager Ned Yost made an interesting adjustment to his roster.
He added top prospect Raul Mondesi Jr. and dropped speedster Terrance Gore, according to Shane Keyser of the Kansas City Star. Mondesi, 20, has yet to make his MLB debut and can now become the first player ever to make his first big league appearance in the World Series.
"The rules allow the Royals to add Mondesi, the son of former major leaguer Raul Mondesi, because he was in their organization on Aug. 31," writes FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. "The Royals cleared a spot on their 40-man roster for Mondesi, who has been playing in Instructional League, by designating right-hander Joba Chamberlain for assignment."
Gore has been a crucial baserunning threat for the Royals in the past two postseasons, but Mondesi could be even better.
Some scouts say Raul Mondesi, Jr. is one of the fastest players they've ever seen. Watch this: https://t.co/mJwzj2RwAc
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) October 27, 2015
Additionally, Keyser noted that Mondesi could provide depth in the middle infield in the event second baseman Ben Zobrist goes on paternity leave, as his wife is pregnant.
Mondesi was signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2011 for $2 million and has been playing in the Royals' farm system ever since he was 16 years old. He began his professional career in 2012 in the team's rookie league for the Idaho Falls Chukars and has steadily made his way up to Double-A Northwest Arkansas.
He batted .243/.279/.372 with 36 runs scored, 6 home runs, 33 RBI and 19 stolen bases in 81 games at Double-A this season. He has played a majority of his games at shortstop (337), but he logged 18 at second base in 2015.
Baseball America ranked him the Royals' top prospect in their annual midseason prospect update.
Rosenthal first commented on the possibility of Mondesi joining the Royals' MLB roster for the World Series last night.
#Royals IF prospects Raul Mondesi and Cheslor Cuthbert are in KC and working out with team. Possible one could be added to WS roster.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 26, 2015
No player has ever made MLB debut in WS. Mondesi Jr. would be first if #Royals add him to roster and use him in a game, per STATS LLC.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 26, 2015
Get geared up for Game 1 by checking out our "Five Things You Need to Know About the 2015 World Series" here.
