The Royals select LHP Asa Lacy fourth overall in the 2020 MLB Draft

With the fourth pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, the Royals have selected left-handed pitcher Asa Lacy out of Texas A&M.

Some have said that they consider Lacy to be the guy they would pick first overall in the 2020 draft after he broke out with a huge spring. The 6’4 and 215 pound lefty has four pitches including a much improved slider that gives him three pitches that various scouts consider plus pitches. His fastball is his best pitch, reaching the upper 90’s and it is one hitters can’t seem to square up. He throws his slider hard, but it also gets a ton of movement and served him well as an out pitch. His curveball lags behind the slider, but still gets good shape and depth when he is on. He does possess a changeup that is usable and could turn into another weapon with some more work.

The biggest issue for Lacy is command which isn’t surprising given the type of stuff he has and the amount of spin on his pitches, in particular on his fastball which gets a lot of run up in the zone, but he does not always command his offerings which was born out in his walk rate which was too high to be sustainable. His delivery is also a little wonky which gives some scouts pause, but you will struggle to find a better combination of quality pitches, especially from the left side, in the entire draft than Lacy’s.