Kansas City Royals: Reviewing debut seasons for top 2017 draft picks

OF, Michael Gigliotti, fourth round, pick No. 120, Lipscomb

As mentioned before, the 2017 class has shown plenty of promise as a group. One of the players who really jumped out to a great start to his professional career is Michael Gigliotti. The fourth-round selection debuted with Burlington, playing 42 games with the Appalachian League affiliate, before eventually advancing to Lexington. The outfielder saw action in 22 games with the Low-A team in 2017.

The 21-year-old former Lipscomb star slashed a healthy .329/.442/.477 in Burlington. Not known for his power, Gigliotti produced just 14 extra-base knocks in his 51 hits with the club. Although, he did manage to drive in 30 runs and score 30, as well. The left-handed hitter showed great plate discipline, drawing 32 walks to 21 strikeouts. Gigliotti also stole bases at a 75-percent clip.

His numbers understandably dipped after his promotion. In Lexington, his hitting fell off to a still respectable .302/.378/.419, but it included a more than 100-point drop in OPS. Overall, his counting stats also suffered. Gigliotti’s RBI total dropped to eight and his runs scored fell to 14. He also struck out 20 times to eight walks, giving him virtually identical strikeout and walk numbers over the entirety of the year. Gigliotti also got caught stealing five of the 12 times he attempted to swipe a bag.

Between the two levels, Gigliotti produced 13 doubles, four triples and four home runs. As stated above, power is not his strong suit. But his ability to hit for average, field and run the bases give him a chance to start in Kansas City’s center field soon. It could happen by 2020 when MLB.com, who has him 21st in the organization’s prospect rankings, predicts he’ll reach the majors.