Kansas City Royals: What to expect from outfielder Khalil Lee
By Cody Rickman
Four prospects were recently added to the Kansas City Royals’ 40-man roster, among them was outfielder Khalil Lee, who is one of the most talented position players in the Royals system.
On November 20th, the Kansas City Royals added prospects Khalil Lee (outfielder), Daniel Tillo (pitcher), Sebastian Rivero (catcher), and Angel Zerpa (pitcher) to the 40-man roster to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft. In corresponding moves, the Royals designated pitchers Glenn Sparkman (free agency) and Gabe Speier for assignment (passed waivers and assigned to Royals Triple-A). The Royals also outrighted injured pitcher Chance Adams to Triple-A.
Lee and left-handed pitcher Daniel Tillo are ranked eighth and 22nd on the Royals’ top 30 prospect list. Rivero and left-handed pitcher Zerpa are lesser-known, with Zerpa being a surprise addition to the 40-man roster.
What should we expect out of Khalil Lee for the long-term with the Kansas City Royals?
Khalil Lee is a promising outfield prospect who Royals fans may have become impatient with due to prospect fatigue (Royals prospect rankings: 8th in 2020, 4th in 2019, 2nd in 2018, 2nd in 2017, 18th in 2016). Lee has had high expectations after becoming one of the Royals’ top prospects when he was drafted as a two-way player out of high school in 2016. As such he has been one of the younger players in each minor league stop, he has made so far in his career.
The numbers do not jump out at you (.256/.366/.409 in 1449 minor league at-bats) but do not be fooled, Lee is one of the most talented position players in the Royals system.
At just 22 years old, Lee still has a lot of growth left in the tank. He has certainly matured physically since he was drafted at 170 pounds during 2020 spring training, and in summer camp he looked closer to 220 pounds. Simplifying his approach at the plate will allow the work he has done in the weight room to play up.
Lee has a problem of over-swinging, leading to a higher strikeouts rate, fouling off meatballs, and making less impact when contact is made. When he allows his swing to get long he tends to struggle.
Lee will be more likely to reach his potential with a “less is more” mentality. I would like to see him use a short, quick, and compact swing instead of an “attempt to hit the ball to the moon” approach. During the Feb. 29 spring training game against the Mariners, he roped a double to the opposite field wall using a compact swing approach.
Lee has been selective at the plate in his career in the minors and I expect it to carry over in the major leagues. Lee typically carries an OBP 100 points higher than his batting average. He flashed plus baserunning ability in 2019 with 53 stolen bases. I do not think Lee is a 50+ stolen base runner, but I do suspect he will steal 20+ or more bases per season.
Lee is an athletic outfielder and can handle duties in each of the outfield positions. He would be best-suited handling right field with his cannon left arm. He has the range, athleticism, arm, and instincts to be a plus-defender once he gets acclimated to major league park dimensions. He has the overall potential to be an above-average everyday regular.
In his prime, Lee can produce seasons worth 2.0 – 4.0 WAR, with a slash line of .250/.350/.430, with 20 home runs, 25 stolen bases, and plus defense. If Lee adjusts and simplifies his swing, he is capable of being special, producing 5.0 WAR per season. Lee is a candidate to break the 2021 spring training camp with the Royals and begin his MLB career as a starting corner outfielder.