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Top 3 Picks in 2019 MLB Draft Finish High in 2020 Prospect Rankings

By Tyson Shushkewich

SECAUCUS, NJ - JUNE 03: A general view of the completed first round draft board during the 2019 Major League Baseball Draft at Studio 42 at the MLB Network on Monday, June 3, 2019 in Secaucus, New Jersey. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB via Getty Images)
SECAUCUS, NJ - JUNE 03: A general view of the completed first round draft board during the 2019 Major League Baseball Draft at Studio 42 at the MLB Network on Monday, June 3, 2019 in Secaucus, New Jersey. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB via Getty Images) /
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(8:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. (Image Group LA via Getty Images)
(8:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. (Image Group LA via Getty Images) /

Top 3 Picks in 2019 MLB Draft Finish High in 2020 Prospect Rankings

Bobby Witt Jr. – Ranking: 10th overall

The youngest of the group, Bobby Witt Jr. has baseball pedigree in his blood and an enormous ceiling when it comes to his potential. His father, Bobby Witt, is a former MLB pitcher who spent 16 seasons with 7 different teams and was also drafted in the 1st round just like his son.

Heading into the draft, there was some concern regarding Witt Jr’s ability to hit consistently over the course of the season. Witt Jr. impressed with his ability to put the ball in play across the diamond and his quick hands through the box helped add some power to his swing, with his plus speed and aggression on the base paths helping him improve his stat line.

Remarkably, his defensive ability was never in question as many scouts found that Witt Jr. does have the potential to be a legitimate MLB shortstop given his speed, plus movement, and strong arm across the diamond. While many prospects start at shortstop once drafted/signed and move around the diamond once they progress through the farm system, Witt Jr. seems to possess the tools to be able to keep his spot on the left side of second base for the time being.

Fresh out of high school, Witt Jr. would spend the entire 2019 season with the Arizona League Royals in the Rookie League. He did have a slow start to begin the campaign, going 5 for 26 through his first 5 games with the AZL Royals, but this would turn around as the season wore on.

Witt Jr. would finish the season with a .262/.317/.354 slash line, along with 5 triples, 1 home run, and 27 RBI’s to go with a .670 OPS. His plus speed was on display as well, finishing the season with 9 stolen bases while only being caught once.

Considering Witt Jr. is still under 20 years old, he does have a few years of development to go before you will find him in a Kansas City Royals uniform. His ETA is in 2022, which does fit the timeline of having Witt Jr. play two full seasons in the minor leagues before competing for a roster spot on baseball’s biggest stage.

All in all, Witt Jr. does have a ton of potential, and a strong performance next season could push the ETA to late 2021, but the Royals do have an impressive prospect with a high ceiling ahead for whenever he does reach the MLB stage.

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