MLB Draft 2017: Twins select Royce Lewis first overall

With the first overall pick in the draft, the Twins have selected shortstop Royce Lewis from JSerra Catholic High School out of San Juan Capistrano, California. In mock drafts, Lewis was projected to go 4th by ESPN and MLB.com and 7th by Baseball America, though he became a candidate for the Twins on draft day alongside Louisville’s Brendan McKay and Vanderbilt’s Kyle Wright.

Lewis brings a lot of upside as the top high school position player in the draft and the closest prep player to being a five-tool player. The 18-year-old shortstop and outfielder, who was California’s Gatorade Player of the Year this season, has great athleticism, can hit for both average and power, has plus speed, can field and has an average arm that can improve in time. While most scouts are not sure which position he will play in the long run, Lewis’ smooth play in all facets of the game will give the Twins a player they can’t wait to have in their lineup.

Get a look at Lewis’ bat here: