Royals Zero In On Athletic Lefty David Shields In 2024 Draft
Lefthander David Shields and his family had a big decision to make during the summer of 2023.
Should he continue his progression as a junior at Pittsburgh’s Mount Lebanon High, where he also starred as quarterback, or reclassify as a senior to become eligible for the 2024 draft?
“It was kind of a no-brainer for us,” Shields said. “It was always in the cards for me growing up, because I always played up (in) older age groups . . . I just didn’t think there was any benefit for me to stay in the class I was in.
“I feel like I was ready to go for whatever the next step was.”
The decision paid off when Kansas City drafted Shields in the second round and signed him for $2.3 million. He reported to the Royals’ complex in Surprise, Ariz., while still 17 years old.
Shields had two months to acclimate to pro ball before finally getting into games at instructional league in the fall.
“(His) game is as advertised,” Royals director of pitching performance Paul Gibson said. “He’s very mature, has a good thought process, strong arsenal of pitches . . . Every outing he’s gotten better and better.”
Shields has been working with a four-seam fastball, knuckle-curveball and changeup, while also occasionally trying a slider that he added late in his prep season.
Improvement his changeup will be an ongoing goal for Shields, as it is for many pitchers fresh out of high school. The pitch has come along well, according to Gibson.
What stands out with Shields is how well he commands and controls his pitches. Throwing strikes has always been part of his game for the athletic southpaw.
“It’s kind of a gift,” Shields said, “I can’t really explain it, but it definitely helps a lot, especially with this higher-level competition.”
Shields’ accentuates the overall package with outstanding makeup.
“I can’t say enough about his work ethic,” Gibson said, “how he’s integrated with the Royals way . . . He’s a good teammate and has a really level head on his shoulders.”
