Manager Ned Yost has named Mondesi as the Royals' Opening Day starter at second base, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.
Mondesi beat out Whit Merrifield and Christian Colon for the job at second base. The 21-year-old struggled at the plate during his 47 games with the Royals in 2016, slashing just .185/.231/.281 over 149 plate appearances, though he did flash impressive defense and swipe nine bases (on 10 attempts). His speed and defense, coupled with his impressive spring -- where he is 17-for-46 with three homers (.370/.383/.609) -- have made him a popular late-round middle infield target, one that is even more justifiable now that he is solidified as the starter.