Dairon Blanco couldn’t stop smiling as he arrived inside the Kansas City Royals clubhouse. The Triple-A standout had another chance. This time, he would get an extended look by joining the Royals outfield rotation.

“I’m extremely happy,” Blanco said through a club translator. “I have been working a lot to get another opportunity to be here. It happened just now and I am ready to go.”

It doesn’t take long for Blanco to get moving. The Royals were impressed with his electric speed in Omaha. Last season, Blanco set the Storm Chasers record with 45 steals in 107 games.

He needed just 49 games to break that record.

This season, Blanco collected 47 steals in short order. He also showed development at the plate with a .347 batting average. It was enough to warrant a roster move. The Royals promoted the 30-year-old outfielder and designated veteran Jackie Bradley Jr. for assignment.

“We decided we wanted to give Dairon Blanco a chance to play,” Royals general manager JJ Picollo said. “He’s earned the right to get a look here. That’s what we have to do, take advantage of different opportunities and keep pushing forward that way.”

Blanco made his 2023 debut on Monday. He went 1-for-4 and nearly added a stolen base. In the second inning, he was thrown out by Reds catcher Luke Maile. Blanco beat the throw but he slid past the second-base bag.

The Royals welcome his speed in the lineup. He adds a different dynamic that only rivals teammate Bobby Witt Jr. Both players utilize their legs to put pressure on opposing pitchers.

It’s possible Blanco can generate additional scoring chances with that speed.

“I learned a lot during the offseason and you have to have your legs ready,” Blanco said. “I worked with the strength and conditioning a lot. Getting to Triple-A, you have to pay attention to the small details during the game. I was able to take advantage of those and steal bags.”

Blanco made his MLB debut last season. He appeared in five games and recorded two hits and a stolen base.

Witt currently leads the team with 20 stolen bases. When asked if he is the fastest player on the team, Blanco made a bold proclamation.

“Si,” he said. The Royals hope to see that carry over in the upcoming days. Blanco will get an extended look alongside Drew Waters, Edward Olivares and MJ Melendez in the outfield.

“We are confident he can be a good Major League outfielder,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He is obviously going to bring energy and he is stealing a ton of bases. He can do a lot of different things.”