Kansas City Royals: Way too early 2020 MLB amateur draft predictions

#78 draft pick overall – Casey Schmitt, Third Base/Pitcher (pick value $793,000)

Casey Schmitt is a 21-year-old, 6’2”, 200 lb., is two-way player (right-handed hitting third baseman/right-handed pitcher) out of San Diego State University. Schmitt is the best two-way player in the 2020 draft after finding success at the plate and as a reliever in 2019.

• 2019 stats (NCAA bat): .315/.415/.450 with 8 2Bs, 2 3Bs, 5 HRs, 25 BBs (30 Ks), 4/5 SBs in 200 ABs
• 2019 stats (NCAA pitch): 3.77 ERA, 1.302 WHIP, 44 Ks, 16 BB with 8 saves in 43.0 innings
• 2019 stats (Cap Cod bat): .248/.329/.411 with 6 2Bs, 5 HRs, 12 BBS (20 Ks), 1/3 SBS in 129 ABs
• 2019 stats (Cap Cod pitch): 2.45 ERA, 1.227 WHIP, 26 Ks, 10 BB with 3 saves in 22.0 innings

According to the scouting report on Schmitt at prospectslive.com,

"“Potentially the most intriguing 2-way draft prospect for 2020. After a freshman campaign where he had a 0.32 ERA, Schmitt enjoyed more success at SDSU with a mid-3 ERA and hitting over .300. That spilled over to the Cape where he became a shutdown arm out of the pen, relying on his fastball (89-92 T94) and an above average split/change that had the bottom fall out. Displayed above average raw power at the plate, average bat speed. Above average defender with an easy plus arm across the diamond. Dark Horse Day 1 prospect.”"

The summary report at fangraphs.com has this to say about Schmitt;

"“Above average raw power, defense at 3B and arm strength and performed last spring and on the Cape. Is up to 96 mph on the mound with an above average splitter and fringy slider.”"

Watching the video, Schmitt has a powerfully built physique and an absolute cannon for an arm. He will need to maintain his footwork as he continues to build muscle mass to retain his range in the infield.

If he becomes limited, he could transfer to a corner outfield position. There is the potential for above average power if he simplifies his pre-swing habits. There’s a lot of busy movement prior to his load and advanced pitchers could take advantage of disrupting his timing if he doesn’t recognize their strategy.

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Schmitt could be an above average defender at third base with the ability to make stunning throws across the diamond. He’s not the fleetest of foot and will have to steal bases on intelligence.

As a pitcher, Schmitt utilizes his fastball to set-up his above average splitter. His breaking ball needs some work to be plus pitch. Schmitt has been utilized in college as well as in the Cape Cod league as a late inning reliever. He is capable of handling high stress relief situations.

It would be a lot of fun to have two-way player in Kansas City. For an organization that prides itself in player versatility, Schmitt represents the epitome of such a player. If he develops more at the plate during the 2020 NCAA season, his draft stock will rise and warrant a selection on the first day.

There is a lot of risk to his swing and bat speed, but Schmitt has potential plus tools in power, fielding, and arm. Drafting a two-way player with three potential plus position tools and two above average pitches in the third round of the amateur draft would be a success for the Royals.

Promising Future

The Kansas City Royals have drafted well in the two most recent drafts in 2018 and 2019. The Royals farm system has a wave of exciting pitching prospects very near ready for the MLB come 2020 and 2021. Several of their draft positional players are exceeding expectations and developing a wonderful pace.

The Royals will need to continue to stockpile talent in the upcoming June 2020 draft to keep this wave of prospect momentum going. The future could be very bright for the Royals come the 2024 season.