Kansas City Royals: What each member of 2020 draft class can provide
By Cody Rickman
Asa Lacy, LHP (21-years-old)
Asa Lacy is a 6’4”, 215 pound., left-handed starting pitcher selected fourth overall out of Texas A&M University and was the best pitcher available in the 2020 MLB Draft. He features a plus fastball, plus slider, plus change-up, above-average curveball, and slightly above-average control.
- Best Outcome: The ceiling is high enough to project Lacy as an ace-type pitcher in most MLB rotations (under 3.00 FIP). WAR = 5.0 – 7.0 range.
- Likely Outcome: Lacy is a high ceiling/high floor-type prospect, projecting to be a number three type starter (3.30 FIP). WAR = 3.5 – 4.9 range.
Nick Loftin, Shortstop (21-years-old)
Nick Loftin is a 6’1”, 185 pound shortstop selected 32nd overall out of Baylor University.
Loftin had some of the best mental make-up of any prospect in the draft with his willingness to do anything for team success. He is a borderline plus defender at shortstop with an above-average arm and fielding mechanics.
He is an above-average contact-oriented hitter with slightly below-average power to the pull-side. Loftin is also an above-average base-runner. He has elite versatility, capable of playing each position in the infield and outfield.
- Best Outcome: I like his work ethic, swing, and plate approach so much that I project him to be higher at his peak averaging above .270 at the plate with around 15 home runs per year and 40+ extra base hits. He has impressive instincts on the base-paths and could nab 15+ stolen bases per year. WAR = 2.5 – 3.3 range.
- Likely Outcome: I expect Loftin to move quickly through the Royals farm system. He conservatively projects with his scouting grades to be a .260 hitter with 7 – 10 home runs per year. WAR = 1.6 – 2.4 range.