SS/2B/CF Royce Lewis (JSerra HS, CA): 6'1", 185 lbs, born 6/5/1999.
Overview
Hit: 55. Power: 50. Run: 70. Throw: 50. Field: 50.
Royce Lewis has positioned himself as arguably the top prep bat in the country, flashing tools all over the place with an outstanding work ethic. He's a bit raw, even for a high schooler, but the upside is in his bat/speed combo is unquestioned. Lewis is tough to project defensively, as he could end up at any of shortstop, second base, or center field, but he will stay up the middle. Lewis has a good shot at going in the top five picks, and he will most likely not fall out of the top ten.
Strengths
Lewis is an athlete. He is one of the fastest runners in this prep class, ranking right up there with Quentin Holmes, Garrett Mitchell, and Greg Jones. While he does have some questions with his glove and arm, that plus-plus speed will enable him to be, at the very worst, an above average center fielder. His calling card is his hitting ability, with a big swing that sprays line drives all over the park and should be able to generate more power as he matures. He employs a high leg kick, one which he uses effectively to gain ground and explode on the ball, which makes me optimistic about that future power production. His offensive profile reminds me a bit of Javier Baez because of his slightly unorthodox, but long and powerful swing in which he matches the plane of the pitch, though Lewis is a bit more under control than Baez. Scouts love his makeup, and with a June birthday (like Baz), he is one of the younger players available. He is considered very signable as long as he is offered what his talent warrants, which he will be.
Weaknesses
Lewis is raw, like most high schoolers, and carries considerable risk for a top five pick, though has a high floor than other tooled-up prep bats like Austin Beck or Jordon Adell. His swing is also long, which can be a good thing if he keeps it in the zone the whole time (think Ken Griffey Jr.), but will lead to swing and miss if his swing path gets out of whack. If you take away his plus-plus speed, his glove/arm combination is average at best. He is raw in the infield, and both his glove and arm need work if he wants to stay at shortstop. As an outfielder, he needs to work on his reads, and again there are the questions about the arm. His speed gives him a high defensive floor as a center fielder, but his value will be maximized if he can improve his infield defense.
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