Storm Chasers’ opening day roster prediction

Opening night for the Storm Chasers is just around the corner on March 28^th. With the major league team trimming down their roster as we speak, the roster situation in Omaha is fairly fluid. I did my best to narrow down the opening day roster with the information we have available and based on the roster below, the Storm Chasers have a real chance to compete for back-to-back International League titles.

Starting Pitchers (5)

Alec Marsh, Noah Cameron, Luinder Avila, Chandler Champlain, Tyson Guerrero

This is a really intriguing group of pitchers. Marsh figures to be a frontline starter for the team as he builds back from the right shoulder soreness he experienced before spring training began. He may be the first call-up to Kansas City once he gets ramped back up. One of either Marsh or Cameron is likely to be the opening night starter, as Cameron came off a solid spring with the major league squad, holding a 3.60 ERA over 10 IP. Luinder Avila flashed big potential this spring, notching 98 MPH+ on the radar gun on his fastball and sinker. Chandler Champlain had an incredible 2023 season but looks to bounce back after a mixed bag showing in 2024. Lastly, Tyson Guerrero finished his season in Omaha last year with underwhelming results, albeit in only 20.2 IP. He will look to improve as he gains more experience at the Triple-A level. Kyle Wright figures to be in the mix once he recovers from a mild hamstring strain.

Relief Pitchers (10)

Steven Cruz, Jonathan Bowlan, Evan Sisk, Austin Cox, Taylor Clarke, Andrew Hoffmann, Eric Cerantola, Anthony Simonelli, Beck Way, Junior Fernández

There is a lot to like about this group of relievers. There is a group of proven, “veteran” options in Cruz, Sisk, Cox, and Clarke. There are exciting up-and-comers in Hoffmann, Cerantola, Simonelli, and Way. And there are guys aiming to bounce back in Bowlan and Fernández. Cruz, Sisk, and Bowlan are the closest to the majors, and will likely be the first to get a call if reliever help is needed. Cruz had the best spring of the three, holding a 2.57 ERA and 1.00 WHIP, with 8 Ks and 2 BBs. He brings the heat as well, averaging 98.0 MPH on his four-seamer last season. Speaking of heat, Fernández has past major league experience and regularly through 99 MPH+ this spring. The results weren’t great, but the velocity is at least intriguing. Andrew Hoffmann gave up five earned runs over seven innings this spring but had 10 strikeouts to 1 walk. This bullpen has a good mix of power and finesse arms, and despite an overall lack of major league experience among them, there is plenty of upside to be excited about.

Infielders (8)

Brian O’Keefe, Luke Maile, Harold Castro, Cam Devanney, Tyler Tolbert, Jordan Groshans, Peyton Wilson, Nick Pratto

This group was the hardest for me to project and will contain plenty of new faces. Harold Castro and Jordan Groshans were minor-league signings this offseason. Castro has 450 games played in his MLB career and holds a .278 career average, but only a .669 career OPS. Groshans was once a top 100 prospect but hasn’t lived up to the hype. However, I have been encouraged by Groshans’ spring numbers: .357/.471/.714 with 2 doubles, 1 home run, 5 RBI, 3 walks, and 2 strikeouts, and hope it is a sign of things to come. The Royals need third base depth, and he could be one to provide it. Nick Pratto is out of minor league options, but if he clears waivers (which is very possible) and returns to Omaha, he will be the starting first baseman. Brian O’Keefe put up great numbers last season and provides good catching depth behind Salvy and Freddy. Javier Vaz will be added to the mix once he returns from fracturing two fingers.

Outfielders (5)

Tyler Gentry, John Rave, Drew Waters, Gavin Cross, Joey Wiemer

This group is loaded with talent and potential. There were very valid arguments for any of these five players to make Kansas City’s opening day roster. It is hard to say which of these five will be the first to get a call-up to Kansas City, but I would guess that Wiemer or Gentry are the first two options. I am a believer in John Rave and hope he gets an opportunity at some point in 2025. Gavin Cross had a great spring, and his momentum is building heading into a very important year for him. His development, although later than expected, would be monumental for this Royals’ team. His line this spring: .375/.500/.625 with 2 triples, 2 RBI, 4 BB, 3 K, and 3 SB. This will be a fun group to monitor this season.