Two top Royals prospects are now seeing time in the outfield. Rusty Kuntz is impressed
Bobby Witt Jr., the No. 1 player on Major League Baseball’s list of the top Royals prospects, is in the big leagues.
The next two players on that ranking are knocking on the door from Triple-A Omaha, and they soon could be at Kauffman Stadium. But if that day comes, they might not join the Royals at the position fans expect.
Catcher MJ Melendez, the Royals’ No. 2 prospect, spent some time at third base a year ago. But he also made his first career start in right field this season with the Storm Chasers.
First baseman Nick Pratto, third on the Royals’ prospect list, played three games in right field a year ago at Omaha. He’s already made three starts in that position this season, along with his first career start in left field.
They’ve made a good impression on Rusty Kuntz.
Kuntz is now the Royals’ special assistant to the president and general manager/quality control. But he made a mark as a first base coach and outfield and baserunning coordinator for the Royals during their two World Series appearances.
Omaha’s broadcaster, Jake Einsenberg, interviewed Kuntz last week before a Storm Chasers game, talking about Melendez, Pratto and infielder Clay Dungan playing in the outfield.
“Well, the reason why they can go out to the outfield is because they’re athletic,” Kuntz said. “That’s the first thing that they have to have.”
Here is what Kuntz said about each of the three.
MJ Melendez
“In MJ Melendez’s case, the guy can run,” Kuntz said. “One of his tools is he’s really quick. In fact probably on the on the ballclub here, right now he’s probably in that top three as far as speed guys go and he’s a catcher. But he’s not built like a catcher, he’s more like an outfielder, for me anyway.
“I’m always in the recruiting stage as far as a coach goes. Because if you’re going to be a good coach, you’ve got to recruit great players. That’s been the secret over the years. ... He’s very athletic and obviously he can catch and throw and do all the things that catchers do, but the two ingredients that he has that makes him different than anybody else: One is the speed and one is the power in the bat. And both of those, they’re going to play at the next level as well.”
Nick Pratto
“In Nick Pratto’s case, another athlete, he’s a first baseman, really smooth hands, a great throwing arm,” Kuntz said. “He’s got a quick release, which plays really well in the outfield and his footwork around the bag really transitions great. The last couple of times I’ve seen him in right field, he just moves around like he’s been out there forever.”
Clay Dungan
“Clay Dungan, in my mind, he’s going to be that super utility everything (player). I can put him in one spot and leave him there for a few months or I can have the luxury of moving him around in different positions,” Kuntz said. “I think at the next level it’s really going to help him to get some reps and take some balls in the outfield. And then if needed be at the big league level, he can say he’s done it in the minor leagues and it won’t be something new for him at the top.”
This story was originally published April 21, 2022 at 10:58 AM.
