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

Bobby Witt Jr., Shortstop

Colleyville Heritage High School, Colleyville, Texas

Committed to play college baseball at Oklahoma, Bobby Witt Jr. is the son of former Major League Baseball pitcher Bobby Witt, who lasted 16 seasons, 11 of which he spent with the Texas Rangers. Now, Witt Jr. looks like he could be the first (or second) overall draft pick in 2019.

Witt the Younger could end up being the second high-school shortstop selected first overall in the past three years, joining Royce Lewis of the Twins’ organization.

Witt is the “rare potential five-tool shortstop prospect,” according to MLB.com, which ranks him as the draft’s second best prospect, behind only Rutschman. MLB.com adds that Witt “shows good barrel control and some willingness to use the entire field, so he could hit for average if he modifies his aggressive approach. His raw power and speed are both plus tools, which, combined with his baserunning instincts, could make him a 20-20 player.”

Defensively, 20-80 writes that Witt is “fundamentally sound up the middle, with a quick exchange and the requisite enough arm strength to make the plays in the hole.”

Only 18, Witt Jr. would fit right in with the young crop of Royals prospects currently playing in Wilmington. However, if the team selects him, they must make sure to sign him, as losing out on a pick this high in the draft, even for one year, could be detrimental to the organization’s timeline.