2019 Season in Review: The best defensive plays

The Royals have made their reputation on defense over the years, and while 2019 wasn’t a banner year, the boys in blue could still pick it on occasion. Here are the top defensive players of 2019.

May 23 Mondesi ranges to his right

Adalberto Mondesi may very well have been the most valuable defensive player on the Royals this year, so it is no surprise he shows up on this list. In a game against the Cardinals in May, Mondesi showed off his unique blend of range and arm to get Jedd Gyorko in St. Louis.

May 25 Billy Hamilton finds the wall

When you look back on the Royals’ 2019 season, you may forget Billy Hamilton, but he did live up to his billing defensively. Hamilton’s speed was an asset in the vast center field of Kauffman Stadium, like on this play against the Yankees in May.

May 26 Nicky Throwpez

Nicky Lopez made his anticipated rookie debut in May, and it was pretty clear early on he would be a contributor with the glove. Lopez showed off his range on this ground ball up the middle and robbed D.J. LeMahieu of a potential hit.

June 20 Gordo’s foul ball catch that wasn’t a catch

This really shouldn’t even count since it didn’t end in an out, but this play by Alex Gordon was just amazing. Gordo went into the corner for a foul ball, and while the ball hit off his glove, he manages to catch the ball mid-air while falling to the ground. Unfortunately, the ball made contact with the fence, making it a dead ball, but it was still pretty cool.

July 20 Billy Hamilton robs Francisco Lindor of a home run

Francisco Lindor has hit approximately 14,358 home runs against the Royals in his career, but Billy Hamilton denied him at least one of those homers on July 20 in Cleveland with this over-the-wall catch.

August 28 Maverick takes off against Oakland

Okay, the rest of this list is the Brett Phillips highlight reel. The young outfielder didn’t come up until mid-August and appeared in just 30 games, but was still sixth on the team in Defensive WAR, according to Baseball Reference. Catches like this one against Oakland were a reason why.

August 31 Maverick lands smoothly against Baltimore

Again Brett Phillips. Again, robbin’ hits, this time against Trey Mancini of the Orioles.

September 25 Brett Phillips does his best Lorenzo Cain impression

Phillips may have saved his best for last, with this amzing catch against the Braves that for a moment, reminded us a bit of Lorenzo Cain. Full extension!

Did I miss any? What did you think was the top defensive play for the Royals this year?