Bobby Witt Jr. named KC Royals’ best pure hitting prospect

The KC Royals’ No. 1 overall prospect was mentioned as the organization’s best pure hitting prospect in a recent MLB article.

The KC Royals haven’t had a prospect with as much hype as Bobby Witt Jr. in quite some time. He just keeps on making national waves.

The second overall pick in last year’s MLB Amateur Draft, Witt was the 2018-19 Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year as a senior at Colleyville Heritage High School in Texas. His impressive blend of speed, power, athletic ability and raw skill was enough for the Royals to take the “best player available” route by selecting him, despite the team already having a good shortstop. Adalberto Mondesi could become great, but Witt is right there with him — if not better — in terms of potential.

Witt is widely regarded as the organization’s top prospect. His father was a longtime major-leaguer, so baseball runs in his DNA. He doesn’t have a glaring weakness in his game, although his slightly underwhelming 2019 season puts a bit of added pressure on him to perform once games begin for this campaign (if they do). Here’s what MLB.com had to say about the 19-year-old infielder:

“The son of former No. 3 overall pick (1985) and 16-year big league pitcher Bobby Witt became the highest-drafted member of his family when the Royals took him second overall last June. While he didn’t tear the cover off the ball last summer in the Rookie Arizona League, batting .262/.317/.354 over 37 games, the 19-year-old is an impressive athlete who possesses across-the-board tools, including an above-average bat that he complements with a power-speed combo that could make him a 20-homer, 20-steal player in the big leagues.”

The only question mark surrounding Witt has always been just how high of an average he’ll hit for once he reaches the MLB. Regardless of how much the on-base skills develop, Witt’s power and speed make him a high-floor player. His ceiling will be determined by his ability to limit strikeouts and draw walks. He’s still young, so there isn’t much reason to worry just yet. Let’s see a full season of pro ball before getting hasty with judgments.

Witt is one of the best prospects in recent KC Royals memory. Everyone knows it. Hopefully, he’ll live up to his potential and give the team its franchise centerpiece for the next 10-plus years.