To put it frankly, the Kansas City Royals farm system needs can be described in one word: everything. Kansas City will have the 18th pick in this year’s MLB draft. The team will also have the 33rd and 34th picks as compensation for Lorenzo Cain and Eric Hosmer signing elsewhere as free agents. Alec Bohm, a third baseman out of Wichita State, possesses the tools to one day be a great MLB power hitter and is one of the best bats in this year’s MLB Draft.
Kansas City Royals 2018 MLB Draft Profile: Alec Bohm, 3B/1B
The Shocker third baseman grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska and was recruited throughout the Midwest for his raw power and athleticism. Once committed to Wichita State, Bohm went undrafted out of high school in 2015.
Analysis
Listed at 6-foot-5, 220 lbs. on Wichita State’s official roster, there have been questions about Bohm’s athleticism and ability to stick at third base. Through 39 games as a junior for the Shockers, Bohm has a .898 fielding percentage with nine errors in 88 chances. The numbers are not great, but his natural athleticism will give him a chance to stick at third in the major leagues. First base will always be an option for Bohm as he would play at least average defense at the MLB level.
Throughout his college career, there has been a substantial improvement in almost every area for the current junior. His freshman year with the Shockers, he struck out 25 times compared to nine walks while hitting .303 with six home runs. After showing improved discipline in the Coastal Plains League, Bohm came back to hit .305 while hitting 11 out of the park for the Shockers. However, his most notable improvement came from the plate discipline, as he walked 29 times to go along with his 31 strikeouts.
The improved plate discipline has continued to shine through this season, as Bohm currently sits at 29 walks to just 19 strikeouts. His patient approach at the plate has also contributed immensely to his .336 batting average along with eight home runs. Wichita State sits at 27-12 with 16 games to go with Bohm looking to lead them back to the postseason for the first time since 2013.
Meet the @GoShockersBSB smashers dubbed the Bash Brothers 2.0 ?
Alec Bohm and Greyson Jenistahttps://t.co/zWbPrnryJH pic.twitter.com/6GT51petrQ
— NCAA Baseball (@NCAACWS) February 24, 2018
Fit with Kansas City
Seeing Bohm as a Royal any time in the future would be surprising, not because of a lack of interest from Kansas City, but because there is a very small chance he makes it down to the 18th pick. Bohm is a consensus top 15 pick, with some analysts going as far as saying top five if he continues his excellent production. If the Royals get the chance to draft this local talent, fans will love the bat and tremendous upside that Bohm provides.
He would fit well into the Royals rebuilding plans, as the clock is ticking on Hunter Dozier, who will be turning 27 this year and can also play the outfield. Aside from Dozier, Kansas City has an unimpressive farm around the corner positions, with first-rounder Nick Pratto being the only other real talent. The pick of Bohm would go a long way in strengthening the Royals system and bringing another group of homegrown talent up to the majors.
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