Asa Lacy’s future with Kansas City Royals could be decided in 2022

There is no questioning Asa Lacy’s potential. The Kansas City Royals prospect has the type of stuff where he can be a true top of the rotation arm, with three plus pitches in his arsenal and an above average curve. With his bulldog mentality and willingness to attack the zone at all times, Lacy is the type of pitcher that teams would love to build around.

But there are questions about Lacy’s future role. He has struggled with his command at times as his three-quarters delivery is rather high effort. It is easy for his mechanics to get out of whack, leading to difficulty in harnessing his stuff.

2022 could determine Asa Lacy’s role with Kansas City Royals

Lacy’s potential, as well as his difficulties, were on display during his first season. He posted a 5.19 ERA and a 1.577 WHiP in his 52 innings. Although he struck out 79 batters, showing that swing and miss potential, he also issued 41 walks, hit eight batters, and uncorked ten wild pitches. Facing Lacy was a test of courage.

He has also been bitten by the injury bug in his brief professional career. Lacy had an eye issue during his time at the alternate training site and had shoulder discomfort last season. That discomfort could have led to those command issues being further exacerbated, especially as he looked much better during his time in the Arizona Fall League.

There were concerns about Lacy’s command leading up to the draft. It was felt that he could end up being a reliever down the line, albeit a potentially dominant arm in the eighth or ninth inning. His command issues, as well as his high octane fastball and devasting slider, would work well in such a role.

Maybe that ends up being Lacy’s role in the future. However, it is easy to look at his four pitch mix and dream that he can be a top of the rotation arm, a true ace that the Royals can build their rotation around. But he needs to show that can be the case in 2022, beginning with his command.

Asa Lacy has plenty of potential. However, he needs to show that he can command his arsenal if he is going to be the next Kansas City Royals ace.