The Royals have been heavily connected to high school players for this summer’s draft, but that could be a smokescreen for them to pursue a college bat. One of the top hitters available this year is West Virginia infielder JJ Wetherholt.
Hailing from the Pittsburgh area, Wetherholt went to West Virginia and established himself as one of the best hitters in the country. In 2023, he won Big 12 Player of the Year honors by leading the nation with a .449 batting average with 16 home runs and 36 steals. He also performed well against top competition in the Cape Cod League and was one of the best hitters on Team USA.