Kody Clawson | May 26th, 2019
Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Colleyville Heritage High School
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 180 lb.
Age: 18
Bats: R
Throws: R
Hit: 50 Power: 55 Run: 60 Arm: 60 Field: 60 Overall: 60
Bobby Witt, Jr. is a high school shortstop from Colleyville, Texas, playing for Colleyville Heritage High School. He has also played for the USA National Team and has played in both the Perfect Game All-American Game and the Under Armour All-American Game. He is the son of former major league pitcher Bobby Witt, who pitched for the Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics, Florida Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Cleveland Indians, and Arizona Diamondbacks. He is currently committed to Oklahoma University.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_IhRqH1MaI]
Strengths:
Witt is an incredible athlete. This athleticism along with his defensive tools allow for a strong possibility to stick at the shortstop position, possibly being above average if it all comes together. His athleticism also shows up on the base paths, as he has been clocked at a 6.40 60 yard dash. His height and raw natural strength already show up in his bat profile, with the chance he can grow into even more raw power. He can drive the ball to all fields, showing the potential to hit for both average and power.
Weaknesses:
Some scouts have concern for his bat-to-ball skills, showing potential for strikeout concerns in the future, although he is improving in this issue. He can also drop his back shoulder when trying to hit the ball the other way. If he bulks up to add more power, there is some concern that this could take away from some of his natural athleticism, so he’ll need to find a balance there.
Overview:
Bobby Witt, Jr. is an immense talent for a high school bat. Touted as a five-tool shortstop, he has the chance to be an impact player that any organization would want the chance to draft and is among the top choices of several teams in MLB. He seems to be the top player for anyone not in on Adley Rutschman, including reportedly being the top man on the board for the Kansas City Royals, who pick second overall in this year’s draft.
Draft Prediction: Round 1, Pick 2 to the Kansas City Royals
The writing seems to be on the wall for Rutschman to indeed go first overall to the Baltimore Orioles, and while they may decide to surprise, I would not find it likely. The Royals, then, will count their lucky stars as, while they have middle infield depth currently, they would likely take the best player available to them here and their number one guy.
Check out our other Draft Previews:
Andrew Vaughn | Will Wilson | Jackson Rutledge | Hunter Bishop | JJ Bleday | Kameron Misner | Logan Davidson| Seth Johnson
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Main Image Credit: @BwittJr Twitter Feed
