Second baseman Nicky Lopez appears to be doing the same thing as the Kansas City Royals prepare for another long season.

According to Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com, the second-year player has gained 18 pounds of muscle since the end of the previous season.

Lopez is trying to improve on a mediocre first season by following a nutritional plan similar to that of standout utility player Whit Merrifield.

Lopez batted .240 with a .276 on-base percentage and a .325 on-base percentage in 2019.

His playing weight of roughly 165 pounds didn’t help him in the power area, resulting in an OPS of just .601.

The Royals knew they weren’t getting a power hitter because he only hit five home runs per season in the minor levels.

They were looking for a player with solid on-base abilities, quickness, and a superb arm/glove combination.

Lopez’s performance improved significantly in September despite battling a hand ailment late in the season.

He exhibited the hit tool that he dominated in the minors, posting a .289/.333/.444 slash line for a .778 OPS. That’s a big change from where he started the season in a good way.

He hit 19 home runs in 2017, after hitting only two in his 81-game rookie season. He’s added 12 and 16 to his total since then.

Merrifield’s door to greater upper-body strength was unlocked by consuming more calories and converting them into a healthy weight.

What Does Nicky Lopez Weigh?

Nicky Lopez weighs a total of 79 kg