KC Royals MLB Draft: Max Meyer would be an exciting pick

Minnesota’s Max Meyer is an electrifying young talent that would present a sky-high ceiling for the KC Royals if they picked him.

We’re slowly but surely getting closer to the start of the 2020 MLB Draft. While there’s certainly plenty to look forward to on Thursday and even after that in the post-draft talent pool, the real fun arrives when the KC Royals pick fourth overall. With plenty of collegiate prospects and even an exciting prep bat ready to join their major league organizations, the options are limitless.

Minnesota pitcher Max Meyer has one of the best arms in this year’s draft, but is lacking the physical profile to match. That may be a minor concern for some teams but for the Royals, an organization that’s already chock-full of future MLB arms, taking a small risk may pay off tenfold. It isn’t a pick that’s on most radars, but it would certainly make waves and put the rest of the league on notice.

Meyer is oozing with potential

After going 5-3 with a 2.11 ERA in 16 games (11 starts) with Minnesota in 2019, Meyer got off to one of the best starts in all of college baseball this season. In four starts, the righty posted a 1.95 ERA and tossed 27.2 innings, striking out 46 hitters in the process. His fastball can touch close to 100 mph and his slider can sit at 90 or above. He personally reminds me a bit of Tim Lincecum when he entered the San Francisco Giants organization. With a wiry frame that could stand to have some muscle added to it, Meyer has yet to reach his ceiling and is already uber-talented.

On the other hand, there’s some risk involved for the KC Royals

Part of the risk with taking Meyer so high is his lack of experience. He started just 15 games in college and won’t be able to rely on his fastball/slider combo alone at the next level if he wants to reach his ceiling. Meyer’s stature (6’0″, 185 pounds) is less than ideal, leading some to believe that he may not have a long career as a starter — moving to the bullpen at some point instead. Right now, he’s a dynamite arm. But then again, dynamite’s purpose is to blow up.

How does Meyer fit with the KC Royals?

Meyer fits the team’s timeline. He’s been identified by many sites as a pitcher who should rise through the minor league system quickly despite receiving limited starting reps in college. This should be music to the Royals’ ears, as they already have starters like Brady Singer, Jackson Kowar, Daniel Lynch and Kris Bubic (among others) who should join the MLB squad within the next year or so. The Athletic’s Alec Lewis noted how great of a fit Meyer would be with the organization (subscription required):

"“He checks all of the boxes the Royals’ college pitching selections from 2018 did. Meyer’s competitiveness is off the charts. He’s pitched at the highest level in USA Baseball. He’s never shied away from big moments, facing the likes of last year’s No. 1 pick, Adley Rutschman.”"

Be sure to follow along with Kings of Kauffman on Twitter (@KingsOfKauffman) all night for all of your KC Royals-related needs. Also, check out our Royals draft primer if you haven’t already.