RADIO
Nick Pratto 2022 Outlook: Expect Lots of Walks, Homers, Ks
3 years agoBobby Witt Jr. gets all the attention when discussing Royals rookies in 2022 but Pratto could push his way into consideration — although he may not have a clear path to playing time early in the season. Carlos Santana and Ryan O'Hearn have an early leg up on playing time between 1B and DH but neither is guaranteed to offer more offensive than Pratto could. The young first baseman looked like a bust back in 2019 when he produced an ugly 73 wRC+ in A-ball but he worked hard during the lost minor league season in 2020 and came back a new man in 2021. While splitting the year between Double-A and Triple-A, he produced a 155 wRC+ with 36 home runs. A lack of consistent contact remains a concern — his strikeout rate was near 29% last year — but the home runs and strong on-base presence (15% walk rate) helps offset a batting average that could be in the .230-.260 range. With just 63 games of experience at Triple-A and the depth ahead of him, expect Pratto to start the year back in the minors but he may not be there for long.
