Patrick Leonard Stats & Scouting Report

AB	3247
AVG	.258
OBP	.333
SLG	.403
HR	79

Full name Patrick Thomas Leonard
Born 10/20/1992 in Jacksonville, FL
Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 225 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Saint Thomas
Drafted in the 5th round (156th overall) by the Kansas City Royals in 2011 (signed for $600,000).

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Patrick Leonard hit a crucial three-run homer in the Texas state 5-A private school championship game, helping St. Thomas win the title, the second for coach Craig Biggio since he retired from the Astros in 2009. Power is the 6-foot-3, 200-pounder's carrying tool, though scouts wonder how it will play against better competition. He doesn't hit good velocity or breaking balls, and his righthanded stroke is long and features a big uppercut. While he has arm strength, he doesn't have the hands or actions to remain at shortstop. A below-average runner, he may have to move to first base or the outfield. A Georgia recruit, he's considered a difficult sign.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Coached in high school by Craig Biggio, Leonard signed with the Royals for $600,000 as a fifth-round pick in 2011. He tied for first in the Rookie-level Appalachian League in home runs (14) and ranked third in RBIs (46) in 2012 prior to being shipped to the Rays as part of the deal that imported Wil Myers and exported James Shields. Leonard is a big-bodied, physical player with above-average power potential. Leonard has a solid approach at the plate, recognizes pitches well and rarely chases offerings outside the strike zone. He used the entire field more consistently in 2014 at high Class A Charlotte after demonstrating most of his power previously while pulling the ball. He could supply above-average power production with a strong, leveraged swing, though he probably won't hit for a high average. Regarded as the best defensive first baseman in the Florida State League in 2014, Leonard has soft hands, a good arm and moves well despite his limited range. Leonard should move to Double-A Montgomery in 2015.
The least known and least advanced of the four prospects acquired from the Royals in the James Shields/Wade Davis trade in December, Leonard signed for a well above-slot $600,000 as a fifth-round pick in 2011. In his final game as an amateur, his three-run homer led Houston's St. Thomas High to the Texas state 5-A private school state title. Some scouts questioned how well Leonard would handle stronger competition, viewing him as a raw hitter who would struggle with premium velocity. But since turning pro, he has cleaned up his swing and shown he can make enough contact to tap into his plus raw power. A shortstop in high school, Leonard also has made a smooth transition to third base. He led Appalachian League third basemen in fielding percentage (.929) and total chances (196) during his 2012 pro debut. He's a below-average runner with enough first-step quickness to remain at the hot corner. Leonard is ready to make the jump to low Class A.

Minor League Top Prospects

The Royals forked over $600,000 last year to sign Leonard, and he made that decision look wise by tying for the Appy League lead with 14 homers and finishing third with 46 RBIs. Leonard offers profile power at third base, a quick bat and the controlled hitting approach and pitch recognition to continue hitting homers as he moves up. He can turn on inside fastballs and drive them for distance--he pulled 10 of his 14 homers to the left of center field--but he also hits breaking balls and seldom chases outside his zone. A comfortably below-average runner, Leonard won't leg out many infield hits, but he can raise his average and cut down on strikeouts if he learns to use the whole field instead of looking to pull everything. A burly 6-foot-4 with a thick lower half, Leonard played shortstop in high school before shifting to the hot corner with Burlington and leading Appy third basemen in fielding average (.929) and assists per game (2.6). His hands and strong arm will play at third, though he'll need to improve his range to his left as well as his body control on bunt attempts.