With the 2017 Draft fast approaching (June 12-14 on MLB Network and MLB.com), we take a closer look at the top prospects in this year's class.
Name: Royce Lewis
Position: SS/OF
School: JSerra Catholic High School (Calif.)
Rank on Draft Top 200: 5
DOB: 06/05/1999
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6'1" Weight: 185 lbs.
College commitment: UC Irvine
:: 2017 MLB Draft coverage ::
Tools
(Future grades on 20-80 scouting scale)
Hit: 55
Power: 45
Run: 70
Arm: 50
Field: 50
Overall: 55
Top 20 Draft Prospects profiles
Stats
Avg: .429
2B: 9
HR: 4
Stolen bases: 25
Scouting report
Lewis has a very good chance at becoming the highest Draft pick to ever come out of JSerra Catholic High School. San Diego's Austin Hedges currently holds the honor, but he was selected in the second round and Lewis should be long gone by then. Lewis is incredibly athletic and uses that athleticism well both at the plate and in the field. There are some questions about his arm strength and whether he will be able to stick at shortstop or have to move to the outfield. Offensively, Lewis consistently barrels the ball and uses his plus speed to either take an extra base or just steal one.
MLB comp:Adam Jones and Austin Jackson (body), Andrew McCutchen (production) and Derek Jeter (mannerisms).
Fun fact: Lewis comes from an athletic family. His father, William, played college football at Fullerton College and Chico State, while his mother, Cindy, played softball at San Jose State.
He said it: "It's (shortstop) a premium position. I can show my leadership skills, take control of the game. It's what I love about it. I want to play the position Derek Jeter played. Except I want to be Royce Lewis." - Orange County Register
They said it: "They don't make charts that can measure his makeup and competitiveness. … He knows people question whether he can play shortstop."
-- JSerra coach Brett Kay - Orange County Register