Royce Lewis 2017 MLB Draft

Royce Lewis | SS/OF | 190 | 6’1 | R/R | JSerra Catholic HS | UC Irvine

Rank: No. 5 in the Top 200 MLB Draft Prospects

Rank: No. 7 in the Top 100 MLB Draft Prospects

Scouting Report: 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. “In my opinion Royce Lewis is the best player in the country,” JSerra head coach Brett Kay said in April. “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.” What’s coming his way is a multi-million dollar signing bonus. Lewis was the MVP of the Trinity League as a sophomore and again as a junior. 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. Lewis played third base as an underclassman at JSerra and moved over to shortstop after teammate Chase Strumpf graduated. 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. Scouts have noted Lewis’s inconsistent spring at the plate, as there is length to his swing that has led to occasional weak contact. The UC Irvine recruit has had a consistently high contact rate, shows an advanced approach and a sound understanding of the strike zone. He makes lots of hard contact and has plus power potential. His pure hitting ability and defense will be the keys to his pro development. Lewis is in consideration to be taken with the first overall pick and is unlikely to slide far in the draft, likely being selected in the top 10.