Royals' Cheslor Cuthbert: Getting time at keystone during instructs

Cuthbert is spending time at second base in the Arizona Instructional League to give the Royals a better idea if he can play the position in 2017, the Kansas City Star reports.

Analysis:

The Royals' plans for Kendrys Morales, who can opt-out of his deal and become a free agent this offseason, may ultimately determine how much playing time Cuthbert receives next season. If Morales is retained, or if the Royals find a more traditional DH to replace him, Cuthbert could land in a utility role with the return of Mike Moustakas (torn ACL). The keystone is a wide open position in Kansas City as the Royals begin the offseason, with Whit Merrifield, Christian Colon, and Raul Mondesi joining Cuthbert as candidates for the job. Cuthbert hit .274/.318/.413 with 12 homers, 46 RBI, and two steals for Kansas City in 2016, but he finished the season with a 20-for-96 (.208) stretch over the final 30 games.