All You Need to Know About MLB Draft Prospect Bobby Witt Jr.
By Ryan Flores
The 2019 MLB Draft is just three days away, and teams are finalizing their draft boards, and coming to decisions as to what prospects they'll be keeping their eye on. One prospect that is of particular note is Bobby Witt Jr., the son of former MLB player Bobby Witt.
The Royals have the No. 2 pick in the draft. Bobby Witt Jr. is the best high school player in the country. Will they end up together on Monday? “I’ll give it to them," Witt said, "they’re at every game, whether it’s 100 degrees or 30 degrees in the rain." https://t.co/qr6y2oyBYj
— Rustin Dodd (@rustindodd) May 30, 2019
Witt Sr. went third overall in the 1985 MLB Draft, and won 142 games and posted a 4.83 ERA in his 16-year career. There's a huge chance that his son could go higher than him in 2019's draft, as there are rumblings that he could be selected second by the Kansas City Royals.
Witt Jr. the consensus top prep bat, as he has the potential to be a five-tool shortstop, which is rare. He's shown the ability to use the entire field when hitting, and has the raw speed and power that could make him a 20 homer, 20 stolen base player. He's also a plus defender with a the arm necessary to make plays.
Bobby Witt Jr. Stats
Witt Jr. had a phenomenal 2019 season, as he won the Gatorade National High School Player of the Year award batting .500/.571/.1.103 with 15 homers and 17 stolen bases in 38 games. He also had a solid season on the mound, earning two saves and striking out 18 batters en route to posting a 1.62 ERA.
Bobby Witt Jr., 2018-2019 Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year. We like the sound of that! #GatoradePOY
— GCISD (@GCISD) May 29, 2019
?: @Gatorade pic.twitter.com/4wtT4j1uyI
Witt Jr. has not only done well on the field, but in the classroom as well, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. He's clearly a smart kid with an incredible work ethic, which will allow him to develop some of the unrefined parts of his game as time goes on. He has all the skills to be a successful major leaguer, and is exactly what the Kansas City Royals or any team for that matter needs.
Is Bobby Witt Jr. the second best shortstop prospect ever? https://t.co/PrLUWhJAMb's Jim Callis thinks so https://t.co/pEMv2hiVvV pic.twitter.com/tNclPhEefW
— Xtraman Fundraising (@xtramancardsusa) May 30, 2019
Luckily, Witt Jr. has a strong arm, so he could move over to third base if needed. This isn't unheard of, as Alex Bregman moved from shortstop to third base because Carlos Correa blocked him. Witt Jr. is also roughly around the same height and weight, so this all makes sense.
Overall, it seems like a lock for Witt Jr. to go second overall at the worst, but it's not a stretch to say that the Baltimore Orioles could be very interested in the highly talented prep bat themselves at the top spot. With his skills, Bobby is an incredibly talented prospect who could be one of the best shortstops in baseball whenever he hits the majors.