Kansas City Royals: Getting to know undrafted free agent signings
By Cody Rickman
Kale Emshoff, Catcher (22-years-old)
Kale Emshoff is a 6’2”, 230 pound catcher from the University of Arkansas Little Rock. He ranked #174 on Baseball America 500. Emshoff missed all of the 2019 season recovering from Tommy John surgery and returned to hit .417/.527/.800 with 7 HR, 14 BB, 11 K in 60 at-bats before the 2020 NCAA season was shutdown.
Coming into the 2020 season, Emshoff changed his pre-swing mechanics and batting stance to quiet his pre-swing movement and utilize his lower half more efficiently. He saw the ball better with the adjustments and was able to access his plus power more consistently as a result.
Emshoff moves well behind the plate. He has plus receiving skills, presenting a big target for pitchers behind the dish. There is above-average arm strength, which could be plus as he continues to get healthier from Tommy John surgery.
Emshoff also possesses excellent make-up, as teammates and coaches look to him as leader.
According to pinstripedprospects.com profile on Emshoff;
"“He was hitting home runs to all parts of the field and you could just tell he was a special talent.”… “I’ve been around this game for a long time, spending 17 years in the SEC, and can say he is one of the best pure hitters I’ve seen,” said Mizzou’s Butler. “Whoever takes him in the draft, they’ll have a solid all-around athlete that is a great hitter, a great fielder and one who clearly has an understanding of the game.”"
The signing of Emshoff is a big get for the Royals. Emshoff has shown the potential for above-average tools in his hitting, power, defense, and arm. He is not much of a runner, but he’s instinctual on the basepaths to not run himself into outs.
Emshoff could produce a .260 batting average, with 15-18 HRs per year while providing solid defense behind the plate. If the 2020 NCAA was completed and it was a normal draft year, Emshoff would be an outstanding high floor prospect selected in the top five rounds.
Since the MLB and NCAA landscape changed dramatically due to the coronavirus pandemic, signing Emshoff as an undrafted free agent is a huge win for the Royals.