Royals: Top prospect rewind, infielder Brady McConnell

Let’s check in on the Kansas City Royals’ second-round pick from 2019, infielder (and possibly outfielder) Brady McConnell.

As the Kansas City Royals continue their rebuild, an emphasis will be placed on prospect development. Welcome to the continuation of our “Top prospect rewind” series.

The subject of this article: Brady McConnell. After an injury-shortened freshman season at the University of Florida, the former Merritt Island standout put together an outstanding sophomore campaign. Hitting for a .332 batting average with 15 home runs and 48 RBIs, McConnell soared up draft boards. This prompted the Royals to take him with the 44th overall pick in this year’s MLB Amateur Draft.

After a brief two-game stint with the Royals’ Arizona League affiliate, McConnell was sent to Idaho Falls to truly begin his minor league career. The results were a little underwhelming, as he posted a .211/.286/.382 line and struck out 66 times in 38 games. In those appearances, though, McConnell was able to hit four home runs, drive in 22 runs and steal five bases.

Per MLB.com’s Jeffrey Flanagan, both McConnell and his running mate Bobby Witt Jr. are expected to begin their 2020 seasons with the Lexington Legends. As Witt is a natural shortstop, McConnell will likely be moved around the diamond until he settles in at a specific position. There were already minor concerns about his ability to stick at short, so perhaps trips to third base, second base and/or the outfield are in his future.

McConnell offers plus speed and the ability to defend at an adequate level. His power potential is solid and overall, he seems to be a very well-rounded player. There are a few kinks in his game to work out (strikeout tendencies, figuring out a position) but other than that, the 21-year-old should progress through the Royals’ minor league system well over the next few years.

MLB Pipeline currently ranks McConnell as the Royals’ No. 7 prospect. If his bat returns to form with Lexington in 2020, expect him to possibly rise up that list.