VIDEO: Royals Prospect Bubba Starling Makes Unbelievably Difficult Diving Snag to End Game
By Parker White
Outfielder Bubba Starling hasn't lived up to the lofty expectations placed upon him, but one thing is for sure: this guy can flash the leather. Playing for Triple-A Omaha, Starling ended the game Thursday night on a incredibly difficult diving catch that prevented extra bases. Take a look at the extension and how close to the wall he was!
Bubba Starling, hang all of the stars on this one! pic.twitter.com/iYBAygQMeM
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) June 7, 2019
This wasn't the only great defensive play Starling gave us. Check out this impressive throw to nab the runner at home plate.
Sorry folks, plate's closed. Moose should've told ya.
— Omaha Storm Chasers (@OMAStormChasers) June 7, 2019
Bubba with the ?, Xavier Fernandez with the diving tag.#TheNextWave?#StirUpTheStorm? pic.twitter.com/ZyE2MDQ7JC
The 26-year-old didn't just bring defense to Thursday's game. He went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI at the plate for the Omaha Storm Chasers in their 4-1 victory over Albuquerque.
Starling was the fifth overall pick by the Kansas City Royals back in 2011, with the expectation that he'd be a pillar for this franchise moving forward. It hasn't gone that way for Starling, as he was non-tendered this winter, but he's back with the organization and providing high hopes.
On top of the stellar defense, he's hitting .345 with four homers and an .865 OPS. Might want to give this guy a big league opportunity this year, right?