Baltimore Orioles top ten prospects for 2020
By David Hill
8. Ryan McKenna
Minors (AA): .232/.321/.365, 26 doubles, nine homers, 25 steals
An interesting speedster with some pop, Ryan McKenna may be a future leadoff hitter for the Baltimore Orioles.
Drafted in the fourth round in 2015, he has climbed the organizational ladder slowly, spending most of the year at each level. After a quick promotion to AA in 2018, he repeated the level last year, with similar results over his full season in Bowie.
A line drive hitter, McKenna has quick hands and shows a knack for putting the barrel on the ball, even if his batting average does not show those results. He has a solid batting eye, showing an excellent ability to get on base. Although he is right handed, McKenna has also displayed the ability to get out of the box quickly, with above average times to first and a knack to translate that speed to the basepaths.
Chances are, McKenna will never be a star. He is considered a high floor type of player, one that should be able to stick in the majors given his approach and speed. That speed should also allow McKenna to remain in center, although he could end up as a fourth outfielder, playing each spot once per week.
A unique player for the Baltimore Orioles, Ryan McKenna’s best asset may be his speed. He should be able to run his way to a regular role in Baltimore in the coming years.