Former top prospect Wil Myers tweets congratulations to Royals organization
Two years ago at this time, outfielder Wil Myers was considered the top prospect in the Kansas City Royals organization.
Now, as the Royals celebrate their first American League championship since 1985 and prepare to host World Series Game 1 on Tuesday, he’s among those offering his congratulations to the franchise that drafted and groomed him to be a major part of this moment.
History was significantly altered for both Myers and the Royals on Dec, 9, 2012. On that date, Myers was sent to the Tampa Bay Rays as part of a seven-player deal that brought James Shields and Wade Davis to Kansas City. Of course, both Shields and Davis now have starring roles in the Royals’ magical run. Though his postseason has been up and down, Shields is the team’s unquestioned ace in the starting rotation, while Davis is one-third of the most dominant bullpen trio in the game today.
Along with the Zack Greinke trade to the Milwaukee Brewers, which brought back ALCS MVP Lorenzo Cain and starting shortstop Alcides Escobar, the Myers deal is considered a key moment in the Royals rebuild and eventual resurgence.
Those were big deals for the organization and particularly general manager Dayton Moore, but in many ways it has to be awkward for those who were traded away. Particularly in Myers’ case, because he was once pegged as an instrumental piece in the Royals future.
Perhaps Wednesday’s tweet was an attempt to alleviate some of the awkwardness or even resentment he might be feeling. Or maybe it was just Myers showing his appreciation to the organization that drafted and developed him, and the friends he likely made there along the way.
Either way, it comes across as a classy gesture on his part, and not surprisingly it has been very well received by Royals fans.
And hey, it’s not like he things haven’t been all bad for Myers since moving to the Rays. He took home Rookie of the Year honors and made a playoff appearance himself, albeit a relatively quick one, in 2013. Though injuries derailed him in his sophomore season, the soon-to-be 24-year-old Myers still has a very bright future in baseball, and many years with which he can create his own postseason moment.
More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports:
– – – – – – –
Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
