Kansas City Royals top ten prospects for 2020
By David Hill
8. Kyle Isbel
Minors (RK, A+): 241 plate appearances, .233/.296/.397, nine doubles, seven homers, 11 steals, 17 walks, 49 strikeouts
An injury last season cost Kyle Isbel a large portion of his 2019 campaign, as he had just 241 plate appearances. While that did hamper in his overall results, it did not change the perception of the type of player that Isbel could be for the Kansas City Royals.
A third round draft pick in 2018, Isbel put his name on the prospect lists with a strong showing in the Cape Cod League in 2017. He followed that up with a tremendous junior year at UNLV, showing improved power and a solid approach at the plate.
While Isbel does not have one standout tool, he does everything relatively well. He retooled his swing as a junior, allowing him to tap into his potential power. Isbel shows a good eye at the plate, and a strong feel for making contact. Although he is not a speedster, he can steal a base and shows good instincts on the basepaths. That speed would allow him to remain in center, although it is possible that he could move to second, a position that he played in college.
That profile does not make Isbel an overly exciting prospect. It does, however, make him one with a reasonably solid floor, a solid all around player who can do a bit of everything. Isbel could potentially end up as a utility player as well, seeing some time at all three outfield spots, as well as second.
Kyle Isbel has the profile of a future major league piece for the Kansas City Royals. He may not excite, but he could be a nice piece for a contending team.