The Kansas City Royals had the fifth pick in the 2012 June amateur draft and selected a converted pitcher from the University of San Francisco named Kyle Zimmer, a one-time third baseman who was considered a bit undersized yet possessed a lively arm. That assessment caused Zimmer to give pitching a shot in order to get some of the playing time that would surely be scarce for him as a fielder. That decision ultimately turned Zimmer into one of the best pitching prospects in amateur baseball.
Zimmer also brought a high level of competitiveness that he’s maintained throughout his career.