Royce Lewis: Prospect Profile, MLB Comparison for Twins' 1st-Round Pick

Player: Royce Lewis

Position: SS/OF

DOB: June 5, 1999 (18 years old)

Height/Weight: 6'1", 185 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

School: JSerra Catholic HS (Calif.)

College Commitment: UC Irvine

Background

Unlike last spring when Mickey Moniak shot up draft boards and wound up going No. 1 overall to the Philadelphia Phillies, there's no consensus top talent among high school position players this year.

However, Royce Lewis is as good a bet as any this year to develop into a star.

"Lewis's unique combination of explosive tools, top-of-the-scale makeup and up-the-middle defensive profile make him arguably the best position player prospect in this year's class," wrote Baseball America.

High school coach Brett Kay had high praise for his star back in April.

"In my opinion, Royce Lewis is the best player in the country," Kay told Baseball America. "You want to see that kid excel because that's how good of a kid he is. He deserves everything that's coming his way."

Already regarded as an elite prospect, Lewis truly made a name for himself last summer when he took home MVP honors at the Perfect Game All-American Classic and the Under Armour All-American Game at Wrigley Field.

This spring, he edged out fellow first-round prospects Hunter Greene, Nick Pratto, Nick Allen, Matt Sauer, Hans Crouse and Hagen Danner, among others, to take home Gatorade Player of the Year honors for the state of California.

He hit .377 with four home runs, 32 runs scored and 25 stolen bases in his senior season at JSerra Catholic High School.

Pick Analysis

Evaluators are still split on where Lewis will settle in defensively, but there's little question he has the tools to be an impact offensive player.

Baseball America provided the following praise:

"Lewis is high-waisted and broad-shouldered and runs like a gazelle; his best run times from home to first base are under four seconds. He's typically a 70-grade runner but can flash an 80 run time when he gets out of the box well. He also shows plus-plus bat speed and plus raw power."

That's not to say he doesn't still have some work to do, though, as BA also noted that he has some "length to his swing" and MLB.com noted that he "doesn't have the most traditional approach at the plate." 

As for the aforementioned defensive question, Baseball America offered this:

"He played center field often on the summer showcase circuit preceding his senior year and showed plus range and flashes of advanced defensive instincts. He has the quick feet and plus arm strength required to play shortstop, though scouts aren't certain that he'll make the necessary adjustments as he continues to fill out and the speed of the game advances."

With his offensive upside, plus speed and intangibles, Lewis is the type of player that you draft now with confidence and figure out where he fits down the road.

MLB Player Comparison: Ian Desmond

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

With 20/20 potential offensively and the defensive tools to play up the middle, there aren't many players who have delivered on the ceiling that Lewis possesses.

However, one player who immediately jumps to mind is Ian Desmond.

The 31-year-old cashed in with a five-year, $70 million deal from the Colorado Rockies during the offseason after turning in four 20/20 campaigns over the previous five seasons.

Originally a shortstop during his time with the Washington Nationals, Desmond moved to the outfield last season, where he quickly settled in as a viable option in center field.

Desmond is bigger than Lewis at 6'3" and 215 pounds, but Lewis is faster—he's more likely to develop into a perennial 15/30 guy than a regular 20/20 threat.

Still, the athleticism to smoothly transition from shortstop to center field and the ability to provide loud contact thanks to plus bat speed makes the Desmond/Lewis comparison a reasonable one.

Projection: Everyday center fielder and a good power/speed threat who is also capable of hitting for a good average. Could hit at the top of the lineup if his plate discipline and contact rate improves, but will make an offensive impact regardless.

Major League ETA: 2021

Chances of Signing: 99 percent

As long a he gets slot value, Lewis should be willing to walk away from his commitment to UC Irvine to get his pro career started.

High school stats courtesy of Gatorade.