1. Bobby Witt Jr
Minors (RK): 180 plate appearances, .262/.317/.354, two doubles, one homer, nine steals, 13 walks, 35 strikeouts
His father, Bobby Witt, was selected with the third overall pick in the 1985 MLB Draft. The Kansas City Royals took Bobby Witt Jr one pick earlier, with the second overall selection in 2019.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Long considered a top prospect in this draft, Witt Jr had even been in consideration for the top overall selection at one point. He has the potential to be a rarity at short – a true five tool player who can make an impact in the middle of the lineup.
Offensively, Witt does have occasional issues making consistent contact, but has displayed improvement in that area, both prior to the draft and after being selected. His ability to barrel up the ball has improved, and he will use the entire field, hitting the ball where it is pitched. He has plus power and speed, making him a potential 20-20 player as he continues to develop.
Defensively, Witt has all the requisite tools. He has impressive range and quick hands, covering a great deal of ground swiftly. Understandably, given his lineage, he has a strong arm, with a fastball clocked in the mid 90s as a pitcher. Wott is expected to stick at short long term, where he could be a star in the making. With his love for the game and intangibles, Witt could be a surprisingly fast mover through the Royals system.
Bobby Witt Jr could be a five tool player in the middle of the Kansas City Royals lineup, a superstar shortstop that can contribute in every facet of the game. That could happen even sooner than one would expect for a high school shortstop.