Raul Mondesi Jr. could make MLB debut in the World Series

by Vincent Frank

There are some tremendous storylines heading into the World Series between the New York Mets and Kansas City Royals.

Kansas City, existing in a small market, will look to win its first title since 1985 in its second consecutive venture to the World Series. Meanwhile, New York's 'other team' will look for its first title since the infamous Bill Buckner series in 1986. 

None of this compares to a 20-year-old infielder with a famous last name. Raul Mondesi Jr., who has never played above Double-A ball, will be a part of the Royals 25-man roster when the World Series kicks off Tuesday evening. 

If Mondesi Jr. does make an appearance in the series — not a given at this point — he will be the first player in baseball history to make his Major League debut in the World Series. 

Raul Adalberto Mondesi, whose father played in the Majors for 13 seasons, appeared in 83 games for Double-A Northwest Arkansas this season. He hit just .243 with six homers, 33 RBI's and a substandard .279 on-base percentage. In parts of four minor league seasons, Mondesi Jr. has put up a .246 average while striking out a quarter of the time he's stepped to the plate. 

Did we mention he just turned 20 in July?

On the surface, this makes absolutely no sense. Kansas City kept Terrance Gore off the roster in order to give Mondesi Jr. a chance to prove his worth for the first time in his career ... in the World Series. 
But when looking into it further, there's some reason for this madness. Considered by some scouts the fastest player in the minors, Mondesi Jr. will provide extra speed off the bench in the late innings. 

Considering Kansas City's MO over the past two seasons has been to kill opposing teams with tremendous relief pitching from the bump and small ball at the plate, it is in perfect position to make something seemingly this ridiculous actually work. 

A switch-hitter, the 20-year-old top prospect could also provide an added insurance bat off the bench, especially when playing in a National League park. That obviously played a role in the Royals' decision here.

Check out Vincent's other work on eDraft.com and follow him on Twitter @VincentFrankNFL.