Kansas City Royals: Looking back at second overall draft picks

The Kansas City Royals are slated to choose second in the 2019 MLB Amateur Draft.

Finishing with a better record than only the Baltimore Orioles, the Kansas City Royals secured the second spot in the 2019 MLB Draft. That has only happened twice in franchise history before, in 2005 and 2007. Fortunately for the Royals, they were able to capitalize and choose players who became big names.

2005: Alex Gordon

The first player drafted second overall by the Kansas City Royals was Alex Gordon. Gordon was drafted out of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and although he did struggle in the majors at first, the shift to the outfield has helped him become a vital piece of the Royals lineup.

In the 2018 season, Gordon slashed .245/.324/.370. He tallied 124 total hits, 13 home runs, and 54 RBI’s.

In his career, he has shifted positions from third base to the outfield. That was a fantastic move considering some of the spectacular plays Gordon has made in the outfield. At the plate, the now 34 year old has tallied an MLB career slash of .258/.339/.415.

Unlike their other second overall draft pick, Gordon a member of the Kansas City Royals roster.

2007: Mike Moustakas

The second player selected second overall by the Royals is currently amidst a postseason run with the Milwaukee Brewers, as he was traded in July in exchange for Brett Phillips and Jorge Lopez. Mike Moustakas slashed .251/.315/.459 on the 2018 season for the Royals and Brewers.

Though he is no longer a member of the Royals, he still was a big name franchise player after his Major League debut in 2011.

On his career, he has slashed .251/.307/.431. Though he is missed in Kansas City, his trade yielded a return that was worth it. Jorge Lopez nearly pitched a perfect game late in the season, and Brett Phillips is a young outfielder with a lot of potential.

What happens next?

Historically, the Kansas City Royals have had good luck with drafting players second overall. The hope is that the streak continues, and they are able to find a talented player who can contribute sooner rather than later.

With the rebuild, having the ability to draft a player early on will bode well for the Kansas City Royals, helping to stockpile young talent who can quickly elevate through the farm system.