KC Royals: Five players who deserve September call-up
By Cody Rickman
NICK HEATH (OUTFIELDER)
The 25-year-old 6’1″ left-handed hitting outfielder has been consistent across two levels of the Royals organization in 2019 (AA and AAA). Nick Heath has put together 40 extra base hits, 56 walks, and 60 out 73 chances in stolen bases across both levels in 2019.
Heath was very impressive in the Arizona Fall League in 2018, carrying a slash line of .338/.427/.442 with 13 steals in 17 chances. He was third on the Surprise Saguaros in hits and average behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Cole Tucker. In the Arizona Fall League, Heath showed a potential hit tool to couple with his plate discipline and elite speed, which makes him a very intriguing prospect.
Heath possesses high end speed in the outfield and could be a reasonable pinch running option for the Royals in the future. He flashed hitting ability and a selective eye at the plate against top prospect talent in the Arizona Fall League in 2018.
Heath’s high strikeout rate is cause for concern, but I believe this is due to his selective nature (walk rate in the mid-teens) at the plate which results in a high number of pitches per plate appearance. Now is a good chance to see what Heath is capable of at the MLB level, as he may profile as a prototypical lead-off hitter or at worst a fourth outfielder that can pinch run.
ERICK MEJIA (SECOND BASE/SHORTSTOP)
The 24-year-old switch hitting 2B/SS has had a fine season at AAA Omaha in 2019. Putting together a slash-line of .272/.342/.386 with 34 extra base hits and he is 17 for 23 his stolen base chances. Erick Mejia spent his first six professional seasons split between the Mariners and the Dodgers organizations (coming over to the Royals in the Scott Alexander trade).
The last two seasons Mejia has spent with the Royals between AA and AAA. Mejia put together a solid season at AA Northwest Arkansas in 2018 with a slash-line of .263/.318/.367 with 39 extra base hits and he was 34 out 51 in his stolen base attempts.
A September call-up for Mejia would bring another versatile middle infielder onto the roster who can play average defense. Mejia would likely be an average hitter at the MLB level (projected .250/.310/.340) with a chance to steal 10 – 15 bases. His athletic ability suggests he would be able to play adequate defense at second base, shortstop, and third base.
Since Mejia is Rule 5 eligible this December, his call-up would be appropriate to see if he could be a valued piece on the roster moving forward.