Kansas City Royals top ten prospects for 2020
By David Hill
9. Erick Pena
Minors: Did not play
The Kansas City Royals decision to trade Carlos Beltran back in 2004 is still considered to be one of the worst deals in the history of the team. With Erick Pena, they have another chance to add a Beltran type to their lineup.
Considered one of the top international prospects this year, the Royals jumped on the chance to add Pena to the system. He signed for a $4 million bonus shortly after the international signing period began on June 2nd, allowing the Royals to get one of the top international talents from this year’s class.
The similarities are easy to see. A left handed hitter, he is considered to have a solid approach at the plate, showing an ability to hit to all fields with power. Pena shows an ability to make consistent hard contact, without missing all too often when he does swing. Although he has average speed, he dies have the ability to get a good jump on the ball and tremendous instincts which could allow him to remain in center long term.
Obviously, it is far too early to say that Pena will have the type of career that Beltran did. Yet, his overall makeup and talent drew comparisons to the former All Star and face of the Royals franchise. If he can live up to his potential, Pena could end up being the same type of player by the middle of the coming decade.
The Kansas City Royals made a mistake in trading Carlos Beltran in 2004. All these years later, they have a chance to rectify that error in judgment.