Kansas City Royals: What each member of 2020 draft class can provide
By Cody Rickman
![KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JULY 03: Members of the Kansas City Royals take batting practice during the first day of the MLB Summer Camp workouts at Kauffman Stadium on July 03, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JULY 03: Members of the Kansas City Royals take batting practice during the first day of the MLB Summer Camp workouts at Kauffman Stadium on July 03, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/68a151db1168f4b37cc6e82282d05af04e395abbb79286b1d44fc5363c0b3229.jpg)
John McMillon, RHP Reliever (22-years-old)
John McMillon is a 6’3”, 230 pound right-handed reliever from Texas Tech University. In four years at Texas Tech, McMillon accumulated 189 strikeouts in 145.1 innings. His arsenal features a plus fastball capable of reaching 100 mph and an above-average curveball with below average control.
- Best Outcome: If he refines his mechanics and develops control, his stuff is good enough in a late-inning, high leverage reliever role. WAR = 1.0 – 1.7 range.
- Likely Outcome: Could be an up and down prospect who tantalizes with high K/9 and frustrates with a similarly high BB/9. WAR = < -0.1 range.
Saul Garza, Catcher (22-years-old)
Saul Garza is a 6’3”, 227 pound catcher from Louisiana State University (LSU).
Garza hit 23 home runs in an injury shortened season at Howard College in 2018 before signing with LSU. He has impressed scouts with his work ethic (losing 30 pounds his senior year of high school and recovering from a knee injury suffered in 2018). His ability at the plate with above-average contact and power tools drive his future climb in the farm system.
- Best Outcome: Garza’s work ethic leads me to believe he is a .260 hitting with 23-27 home runs per year type hitter. He needs to continue his development behind the plate to stick there positionally and could ultimately become a first baseman. WAR = 1.6 – 2.4 range.
- Likely Outcome: He fills the role of a back-up catcher with a platoon split putting up solid power numbers. WAR = 0.0 – 0.7 range.