KC Royals: Seven options for second overall pick in 2019 MLB Draft

Omaha, NE - JUNE 27: Catcher Adley Rutschman #35 of the Oregon State Beavers singles in the first inning against the Arkansas Razorbacks during game two of the College World Series Championship Series on June 27, 2018 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Kansas State/Getty Images) /

Josh Jung, Third Baseman

Texas Tech Red Raiders

Last season, Josh Jung, who went undrafted out of high school, broke out in a big way. He hit 12 home runs while collecting 80 RBI, slashing .392/.491/.639, good for a 1.130 OPS. According to The Baseball Cube, in 2019, Jung’s cooled off, but he’s still slashing .310/.445/.494 for a .939 OPS to go along with two home runs, eight doubles, one triple, and 20 RBIs.

What’s more: Jung walks more than he strikes out. In his collegiate career, the junior has struck out 94 times but walked 96 times.

The 6’2″, 215-pound 21-year-old should continue to hit for power, as MLB.com, which ranks him as the No. 6 overall draft prospect, writes that “[Jung’s] power (comes) naturally and his bat speed and strength should translate into 25 or more homers per year once he turns on more pitches.”

https://twitter.com/TTU_Baseball/status/1110241228484837376

Defensively, it’s questionable whether he stays at third. As Burke Granger over at 20-80 Baseball remarked, Jung has “limited range at the hot corner, but his hands and footwork are both adequate and his arm is plus, with easy carry across the diamond.” That could possibly mean a switch to a corner outfield spot.

Regardless of whether Jung ends up at third base or in left or right field, landing a disciplined power-hitter would be a boon for the Royals.

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