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Kansas City Royals No. 23 prospect Asbel Gonzalez has quickly begun to make a name for himself in Single-A with the Columbia Fireflies.
The 19-year-old outfielder was mentioned for the Royals in article on mlb.com, naming the hottest hitting prospect for each organization in April. Gonzalez has also put on a show on the base paths. In 22 games played, he's swiped 30 bags, making him the first minor league player since 2008 with as many stolen bases going into May.
The Royals signed Gonzalez as an international free agent in Jan. 2023. After spending time in the Dominican Summer League that year, where he was named an all-star, he headed to the states in 2024, making it to Double-A Northwest Arkansas.
Gonzalez has gotten off to a fast start with the Fireflies this season. Literally.
In his Single-A debut, on April 4, he stole four bases after getting on base three times. In 22 games this season, he has just one extra-base hit, a triple that came on April 22, yet he’s sporting a .398 batting average.
Logo on stadium seats prior to the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Atlanta BravesWilliam Purnell-Imagn Images
His superb ability to get on base is also proven by his 1.85 BB/K ratio at the plate; and when he does get on base, he is a lethal weapon. He has come around to score 43.4% of the time he gets on, a huge factor for the Fireflies (15-8 entering Thursday), who sit in first place in the Carolina League South division.
Gonzalez' prospect profile on mlb.com suggests he may have “the highest ceiling of all of the Royals’ center fielders”. His overall scouting grade may be a 40, but his running and fielding sits above average each at a 60.
He can be expected to develop further in the minor leagues for a couple of years to come, but he is certainly a player to keep an eye on.
Continue reading...
The 19-year-old outfielder was mentioned for the Royals in article on mlb.com, naming the hottest hitting prospect for each organization in April. Gonzalez has also put on a show on the base paths. In 22 games played, he's swiped 30 bags, making him the first minor league player since 2008 with as many stolen bases going into May.
The Royals signed Gonzalez as an international free agent in Jan. 2023. After spending time in the Dominican Summer League that year, where he was named an all-star, he headed to the states in 2024, making it to Double-A Northwest Arkansas.
Gonzalez has gotten off to a fast start with the Fireflies this season. Literally.
In his Single-A debut, on April 4, he stole four bases after getting on base three times. In 22 games this season, he has just one extra-base hit, a triple that came on April 22, yet he’s sporting a .398 batting average.
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Logo on stadium seats prior to the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Atlanta BravesWilliam Purnell-Imagn Images
His superb ability to get on base is also proven by his 1.85 BB/K ratio at the plate; and when he does get on base, he is a lethal weapon. He has come around to score 43.4% of the time he gets on, a huge factor for the Fireflies (15-8 entering Thursday), who sit in first place in the Carolina League South division.
Gonzalez' prospect profile on mlb.com suggests he may have “the highest ceiling of all of the Royals’ center fielders”. His overall scouting grade may be a 40, but his running and fielding sits above average each at a 60.
He can be expected to develop further in the minor leagues for a couple of years to come, but he is certainly a player to keep an eye on.
Continue reading...
