MLB Draft: 4 hitters the KC Royals should consider

If the KC Royals value production over fielding, Jacob Berry could fit.

Jacob Berry is a switch hitter who played at Arizona in 2021 and at LSU this season. He’s been one of the best college hitters the last couple of years and should prove to be one of the top college bats available in the next week’s draft.

Berry’s mlb.com draft profile grades him a 60 (out of a possible 80) overall prospect with a 60-grade hit tool and 65-grade power. Despite playing only two NCAA seasons, he’s shown both those tools in outstanding fashion.

• 2021: 63G, 297 PA, .352/.439/.676, 19.5 K%, 11.1 BB%, 17 HR
• 2022: 53G, 248 PA, .370/.464/.630, 8.8 K%, 10.8 BB%, 15 HR

Berry could be an excellent addition to the young Witt Jr.-Melendez-Pasquantino-Pratto KC core. Where he would play, though, could be cause for concern. He’s spent time at third base and in the outfield, and has also seen DH duty; assuming he can prove to be a capable fielder somewhere, he could be a valuable first-round Royal pick.

The fact that Berry could fall to the Royals at Pick No. 9 is a major credit to the talent in this year’s class. Drafting him would be a massive victory for the Kansas City front office.