Royals MiLB: KC Sends 8 Players To Arizona Fall League

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Nov 7, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals infielder Ramon Torres during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars game at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Other Top Prospects

1B Ryan O’Hearn (age 23)

Ryan O’Hearn is one of the more intriguing bats in the system. Drafted in the eighth round in 2014 from Sam Houston State, O’Hearn crushed High A Wilmington with a .352/.408/.670 triple slash in 98 plate appearances. That performance won him a quick promotion to AA NW Arkansas where he hit a solid .257/.342/.435.

His problem is that he strikes out way too much with 150 whiffs in 543 plate appearances. He does, however, show nice patience at the plate with 56 walks and power (21 home runs). Scouts consider his defense average at first base, but he doesn’t have much potential to play anywhere else on the diamond.

O’Hearn is one of those 1B/DH types that will have to show a big stick to succeed in MLB.

2B Corey Toups (age 23)

Toups was a 15th round pick in 2014 also from Sam Houston State like fellow Royals prospect Ryan 0’Hearn. Corey Toups is a 5’10” 170 lb. middle infielder that doesn’t have the arm to play shortstop on an everyday basis in major-league baseball.

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Though he’s got a nice 22 stolen bases against 4 caught stealing at Wilmington and NW Arkansas this season, he really only has average foot speed. His calling card is his bat. In three years in the KC Royals system, Toups has hit a combined .288/.380/.450. This season he’s hit a solid .266/.355/.434 with 33 doubles, 7 triples, and 11 home runs. Toups has nice pop for a middle infielder, but strikes out more than you’d like (125 Ks in 554 plate appearances). Like former college teammate Ryan O’Hearn, he takes his walks with 57 BBs.

One notable point is that his numbers improved from a .771 OPS to .798 OPS after an early season promotion from High A to AA.

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