The Royals drafted Peyton Wilson in Competitive Balance Round B during the 2021 MLB Draft. Since joining the system, he’s been on several different development paths. At one point, he looked like a potential center fielder of the future and had risen into the top five prospects for the Royals, according to our prospect rankings. Then in 2023, Wilson stopped playing the outfield almost entirely. He played second base exclusively and put together a strong, above-average season at the plate.
Season Stats:
2021 (Low-A): .231/.326/.359, 8.7% BB%, 21.7% K%, 90 WRC+
2022 (HIGH-A): .268/.359/.456, 10.5% BB%, 24.9% K%, 128 WRC+
2023 (AA): .286/.366/.411, 9.8% BB%, 18.0% K%, 108 WRC+
Wilson’s ability to hit for average and walk at a healthy rate both showed up big time in 2023. It was his first attempt at Double-A and was in many ways a success. For much of his minor league career thus far, Wilson has been able to walk around 10% and limit the strikeouts to slightly below the league average. Last season, he cut the strikeouts much more than we saw in 2021 and 2022. He hit for his highest average yet, although much of that was fueled by a .345 BABIP.
Wilson profiles as a leadoff man in the major leagues. He has excellent speed, a good approach, and a sound hit tool. He’s shown power in bursts as a pro, but it’s always been inconsistent. Last season he leveled out around where he will likely be for much of his MLB career. His ISO was .125, just behind his Low-A mark of .128. In that regard, 2022 looks like the outlier thus far. There’s a lot to like about Wilson’s game but more consistency will be needed for him to reach the sport’s highest level.
Scouting Grades:
Hit: 50/60
Game Power: 40/45
Raw Power: 45/45
Speed: 60/60
Glove: 45/50
Arm: 55/55
Best Case Scenario
At his best, Wilson has the makings of an excellent leadoff hitter at the next level. He mixes a good blend of speed and approach, as well as strong swing decisions at times. He will need more consistency to reach that level. His ability as a switch-hitter is a nice perk as well. He had a stab at center field in his second pro season but the organization looks set on leaving him at second base moving forward. Wilson profiles as an average defensive second baseman with leadoff hitter ability at the plate.
Worst Case Scenario
If Wilson can’t develop more consistency, he could start to struggle as his BABIP luck runs out. A healthy walk rate should give him a nice OBP baseline, however. If he can’t make it work as an MLB regular, Wilson has enough versatility to be a good utility man. He has great speed and played corner outfield in this year’s Arizona Fall League. He has a strong arm that will be wasted as an everyday second baseman but could come in handy as a 2B/OF utilityman.
