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Ranking the Kansas City Royals’ Top 5 Prospects Heading Into 2016

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Ranking the Kansas City Royals' Top 5 Prospects Heading Into 2016

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The Kansas City Royals are undoubtedly flying high coming off their world championship in 2015, but they still have to stay focused on the future of their organization, meaning their farm system. The Royals have a strong major league roster, but they may also have a few gems waiting in the wings in the minors. Here are Kansas City’s top five prospects heading into 2016.

5. Jorge Bonifacio, Outfield

Jorge Bonifacio Kansas City Royals
Mark J. Rebilas - USATODAY Sports

5. Jorge Bonifacio, Outfield

Jorge Bonifacio Kansas City Royals
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Bonifacio is a much different player than his older brother, Emilio. The younger Bonifacio has solid tools across the board, including above-average power and the arm strength to be a quality right fielder. He had to repeat Double-A in 2015, but he had 49 extra-base hits the second time around and he's only 22, so he's still ahead of the curve. If he can hit for a better average and keep hitting for power, he can be an average MLB right fielder.

4. Miguel Almonte, Pitcher

Miguel Almonte by John Rieger
John Rieger - USATODAY Sports

4. Miguel Almonte, Pitcher

Miguel Almonte by John Rieger
John Rieger - USATODAY Sports

Almonte put up modest numbers in Double-A and Triple-A in 2015, but he still earned a September call-up with the Royals. He pitched out of the bullpen in September, but figures to be a starter long term. Almonte features a plus fastball in the low to mid 90s and a plus changeup he throws in the low 80s. If he can develop his curveball more and use it to complement his two plus pitches, Almonte figures to be a solid big league starting pitcher.

3. Ashe Russell, Pitcher

2014 World Series Game 6: San Francisco Giants v. Kansas City Royals
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3. Ashe Russell, Pitcher

2014 World Series Game 6: San Francisco Giants v. Kansas City Royals
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Kansas City drafted Russell in the first round in 2015 out of high school, so he has a long way to go to reach the big leagues. However, the young righty does feature two plus pitches, a fastball and a slider, that he throws hard and with a great deal of movement on them. In the years to come, Russell will have to develop a changeup and refine his mechanics. If he can do that, he has a chance to be a quality big league pitcher.

2. Kyle Zimmer, Pitcher

Kyle Zimmer Kansas City Royals
Mark J. Rebilas - USATODAY Sports

2. Kyle Zimmer, Pitcher

Kyle Zimmer Kansas City Royals
Mark J. Rebilas - USATODAY Sports

Zimmer looked like a fast riser after the Royals took him No. 5 overall in 2012, but injuries have held him back. When healthy, Zimmer has a plus-plus fastball that approaches triple digits, a plus curveball, as well as a slider and changeup that are both average or better offerings. The Royals eased him back in 2015, as he only returned to being a starter the final month. If he can stay healthy, Zimmer has all the tools to be a future ace.

1. Raul Mondesi, Shortstop

Raul Mondesi Royals
Robert Deutsch - USATODAY Sports

1. Raul Mondesi, Shortstop

Raul Mondesi Royals
Robert Deutsch - USATODAY Sports

The Royals think so highly of Mondesi that they put him on their World Series roster at the age of 20, and he made his big league debut in the Fall Classic. He has plus speed and the defensive skills at shortstop that could make him a Gold Glove candidate down the line. However, he does need to improve offensively, specifically with regard to his patience and plate discipline. If he can improve in those areas, he's a potential All-Star shortstop.

Bryan Zarpentine is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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