Kansas City Royals: Prospect Interview, Tyler Tolbert

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The Kansas City Royals selected Tyler Tolbert in the 2019 draft from the Univ of Alabama-Birmingham. I had a chance to talk to him about his career.

Tyler Tolbert is no stranger to success being named the Birmingham/Central Alabama Player of the Year and leading the Hewitt-Trussville High School team to a Class 7A state title in 2016. From there he joined the Blazers of UAB and had a solid career including finishing tied for sixth in the NCAA Division I stolen base category for 2019.

Just completing up his first taste of pro ball, Tolbert spent time in with the Arizona League Royals and then a handful of games in the Pioneer League with the Idaho Falls Chukars this summer. It was there the Kansas City Royals prospect stole the show in the title game with three hits and three runs scored helping secure a league championship for the Chukars.

He has been busy still recently having just completed time at the Instructional League but was gracious enough to answer some questions of mine.

Q: You won a state high school title in 2016, do you feel the experience of that high-pressure environment helped you in the league title game with Idaho Falls where you collected three hits and scored three runs?

A: My past experiences of playing in championship games from high school to collegiate summer league, to now my first professional one has definitely helped me thrive in those pressure environments. My point of view for championship games is the result of the hard work and dedication that you and your teammates have put in to reach this moment. So why not just have fun and enjoy the moment.

“Right now I would compare my game to a miniature version of Whit Merrifield”

Q: What major league player (past or present) would you best compare your skill set to?

A: There are a lot of players that I love comparing my game to. However, right now I would compare my game to a miniature version of Whit Merrifield. Whit and I are so versatile, that we can play any position on the field and be super confident while playing that particular position. Also, I love how Whit is constantly always getting on base and being a tough out.

Q: Only the 31st player in UAB history to be drafted is pretty special. Did you always believe you were going to play professional baseball?

A: Yes sir it is very special! However, at a young age, I always knew that I had the talent and the mindset to play professional baseball.

Q: You were sixth in the nation collegiality in stolen bases, did you always have a green light to run?

Tyler Tolbert selected in the 13th round of the #MLBDraft by the Kansas City @Royals‼️https://t.co/XDY4bCRLL6
— UAB Baseball (@UAB_Baseball) June 5, 2019

A: Yes sir, every time that I reach base I am looking to make something happen and create chaos for the defense. I have the green light to steal any base at any time; even home if the situation is right.

Q: Do you have certain areas of your game you will work on during the offseason as you prepare for your first spring training?

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A: This offseason I am focusing on continuing to gain strength in the weight room. Also, I’m continuing to develop my swing to get ready for the 2020 season.

“Wherever position the manager writes me into play that day or wherever the team needs me.“

Q: The Kansas City Royals had a great year in the minor leagues with four titles including the Chuckars you played for. Can you feel the excitement and commitment to winning that can be pushed up towards the big league club?

A: It was an amazing year for the organization as a whole. Yes, the excitement is definitely getting pushed up to the big league club. The front office is putting the pieces together to bring multiple World Series titles back to Kansas City. It is a process and it is going to be well worth it when the Royals are back on top.

Q: You have a lot of versatility playing middle infield and all three outfield positions. Do you feel you excel at one particular spot or have a desire to play at one position?

A: I do not have a favorite position to play. Wherever position the manager writes me into play that day or wherever the team needs me. I am confident in my abilities that I am going to excel in that position. That is the mindset that I have and I am always going to keep that mindset.

Q: You played high school and college ball in Alabama. What was it like being so far from home after the draft?

A: Being away from home was not bad at all. With me playing across the country on the summer ball circuit I was prepared to be comfortable away from home. The support from all of my family and friends has been amazing as well. I am excited to see what the future holds.

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As you can see Tolbert has a great mindset and dedication to the game of baseball. The Kansas City Royals organization made a great pick here, keep an eye on him as he continues to develop his career bringing speed and versatility to every level of the organization. Thank you, Tyler (@TylerTobert12) for taking the time to speak with us!

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