KC Royals: Bubba Starling Prospect Profile

Areas of Strength

Fielding/Arm/Speed

Bubba Starling has turned into a prolific defender. He’s got excellent range in the outfield and the arm to back it up.

He’s made only nine errors in his professional career and made zero errors in 2015. It’s not for lack of chances either.

Lorezno Cain was credited with ten errors in 405 chances from center field last season. In Starling’s last 462 chances, he’s made only two errors from center field.

Here’s what his MLB.com prospect profile has to say about his defense and speed:

"There’s nothing wrong with Starling’s defense. He has solid speed, takes direct routes in center field, and parlayed his strong arm into a high Class A Carolina League-best 14 outfield assists last year. He’s also an astute baserunner who projects to steal 20 or more bases per season at a high success rate."

Check out a good example of Starling’s arm and baseball IQ in this article that chronicled a very strange Arizona Fall League game.

With the tools that Starling already has in his arsenal, he may have enough going for him to work out for the Royals even without a plus hitting tool.

If the Royals have proved anything over the past few seasons it’s that they will deal with a less than perfect bat in exchange for speed and solid defense. Omar Infante and Drew Butera are just two examples of players who have earned playing time in-spite of a poor bat.

If the Royal’s are looking for some defensive help in the outfield, they may have the player they need in Bubba Starling.

Next: Season Outlook