KC Royals: Bubba Starling Prospect Profile
By Scott Dillon
The KC Royals former first-round pick looked like a bust for most of his professional career. Has he finally turned a corner?
When the Royals drafted Bubba Starling back in 2011, he was earned the biggest signing bonus of any drafted position player. His $7.5 million dollar signing bonus remains a record for drafted position players today. So far, it seems that he was overpaid.
There is still plenty of time for the former first-round pick to turn into a quality product for the Royals. He’s only 23 years old and has taken some major steps over the past 18 months.
His athleticism is what got him drafted in the first-round and ultimately what pulled him out as a top-five pick. His speed, athleticism, and defensive prowess offered a high-ceiling option.
His hit and power tools were known to be projects at the time and major flaws in his swing were apparent from day one.
If he can ever figure out what he’s doing at the plate, he appears to be ready for the Major Leagues already. He took big strides in that regard in 2015, and a strong showing in 2016 may propel him to the big team sometime this season.
Ned Yost recently commented on Starling according to Jeffrey Flanagan’s twitter account:
Ned Yost on Bubba Starling: "He's looking more hitterish every year I see him." #Royals
— Jeffrey Flanagan (@FlannyMLB) February 22, 2016
That’s certainly a good sign for the prospect who has been labeled a bust. He’ll look to shake that designation and become worthy of the first-round pick he was.
Let’s take a look at his strengths and weaknesses and evaluate when, if ever, he’ll make his Royals’ debut.
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