Kansas City Royals Top 15 Prospects After 2015 Season

DH/First baseman Ryan O’Hearn during spring training 2015 (Jen Nevius).

15. Ryan O’Hearn

After being drafted in the eighth round in the 2014 MLB Amateur Draft, Ryan O’Hearn immediately made his presence felt in the Kansas City Royals farm system. He dominated the Pioneer League, producing a .361/.444/.590 batting line for the Idaho Falls Chukars, slugging 13 home runs and 16 doubles in 249 at bats. It was certainly an impressive debut.

This season, while the batting line may have decreased, O’Hearn continued to display his impressive power potential. Splitting his time between the Lexington Legends and the Wilmington Blue Rocks, O’Hearn hammered 27 home runs and 21 doubles while chipping in seven stolen bases. His .263/.339/.478 batting line may not have been close to what he produced in Idaho Falls, but O’Hearn proved that the power he displayed was not just a product of being too advanced for the Pioneer League.

Chances are, O’Hearn will begin the 2016 season back in Wilmington. He did struggle a bit during his time there, hitting at a mere .236/.315/.447 rate, while striking out 54 times in 161 at bats. His eight home runs and ten doubles showed potential, but his decreased contact rate needs to be addressed.

Ryan O’Hearn has the potential to be the next power prospect for the Kansas City Royals. However, a large part of that may depend on whether or not he can cut down on that strikeout rate and continue to punish the opposition at the higher levels.

Next: The other first round pick this year