Kansas City Royals Prospect Review: Hot Hitters in April

Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

4. Carlos Garcia

The Kansas City Royals receive a lot of attention for their exploits on the basepaths, and with good reason. Jarrod Dyson is one of the fastest men in the majors. Terrance Gore reprised the Herb Washington role of years past. Given the Royals belief in speed, defense and putting pressure on the opposition, it just makes sense that there would be a number of speedsters in the system.

However, one player that has not received a lot of attention is second baseman Carlos Garcia. Garcia, who stole 31 bases last season to place fourth in the Royals system, is burning up the basepaths to start the year. Thus far, in 17 games, Garcia has stolen eleven of twelve bases. Second in the Royals system is Gore, with a mere six swipes.

Carlos Garcia is doing a lot more than just stealing bases this season. He has produced a solid .305/.397/.339 batting line, fueled by a 47.1% ground ball rate and a .360 batting average on balls in play. While he is not a power threat, with all of six home runs in his seven year minor league career, Garcia definitely looks like the type of slap hitter who could use his speed to terrorize the opposition.

Garcia’s future may be as a utility infielder if he reaches the major leagues, but his speed appears able to play at any level. This solid start in Lexington may lead to a promotion if he can continue that torrid pace on the basepaths.

Next: A truly powerful start