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 Justin Tafoya/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) /

Andrew Vaughn, First Baseman

California

If the Kansas City Royals decide pure, raw power is what the organization wants most in this draft, then the franchise need look no further than Andrew Vaughn, the first baseman for the California Golden Bears.

Undrafted out of high school, the 6’0″, 214-pound right-handed hitter has absolutely mashed since arriving in Berkeley. His freshman season, Vaughn slashed .349/.414/.555 with 12 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 36 runs scored with just 24 strikeouts. Amazingly, that’s Vaughn’s worst season.

No question about this one. Andrew Vaughn knew it was gone. His 2-run homer for @CalBaseball takes the @OpusBank #12Best moment. pic.twitter.com/rMdbphNbO9
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) April 7, 2019

He hit .402/.531/.819 with 23 home runs and 63 runs batted in 2018, walking 44 times and striking out only 18 times. So far this season, he’s slashing .344/.519/.708 with 10 homers, 30 RBIs, 31 walks and 20 strikeouts.

According to 20-80 evaluator Burke Granger, “Vaughn has quick hands with a penchant for barreling balls with a compact yet powerful swing and exceptional feel for the strike zone.” Adds MLB.com, who ranked him their third overall draft prospect, “He should be in conversation at the very top of the Draft as a college hitter who should be able to move quickly through a system.”

If the Royals are looking for a disciplined slugger who can reach Kansas City relatively quickly, Vaughn would be the perfect fit.

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