Potential 2020 MLB Draft crushes for the KC Royals

If the KC Royals would like a catcher who would be ready in the near future to permanently move Salvy to a less taxing role, this college stud is a great option.

Not only is the power potential there, but a contact hitter with a good eye at the plate has also improved tremendously on his defense while at North Carolina State.  Patrick Bailey was well on his way to a third consecutive double-digit home run total before COVID struck.

At 6’2″ and 207 pounds, Bailey is a sturdy presence behind the plate, able to communicate well with pitchers and put himself in a position to frame balls and keep runners honest.

"Instead, elite defensive catchers such as Bailey consistently focus their body weight toward the center of the plate and receive pitches with an upward motion, creating positive momentum toward second base on throws. – greensboro.com"

He is unique in that he is a switch-hitting catcher as well – and good at it.  He has homered from both sides of the plate in a game twice while at North Carolina State.  Despite the reduced season, he still managed to smash three grand slams in 2020.

Some of his accolades include being named ACC Freshman of the Year and All-ACC second team in 2018.  Bailey’s sophomore year brought a First-Team All-ACC award and Collegiate Baseball’s Third Team All-American recognition.

The Royals still have some talented catchers in the pipeline who could be key cogs at Kauffman Stadium but the verdict is still out.  Bailey would provide an important measuring stick coming in with three years of Division I college baseball in his back pocket.