Jack Lopez

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Kansas City Royals #19 prospect in 2013
  Many scouts who saw Lopez in high school liked his glove and feel for the game, but they also saw him as a player who would do well to fulfill his commitment to Miami so he could develop physically before entering pro ball. The Royals decided they were willing to let him mature on their dime, as they signed the 16th-rounder for $750,000 in 2011. The son of Reds bullpen coach Juan Lopez often looked overmatched at the plate during his pro debut last year, mainly because he just didn't have the strength to drive the ball consistently. Lopez has good pitch recognition and a solid approach at the plate, but at this point pitchers can knock the bat out of his hands. He's a solid runner with the instincts to steal a few bases. Lopez has above-average range, soft hands and an adequate arm. If he can get stronger, he could be an everyday shortstop and perhaps hit second in a big league batting order. If not, his feel for the game could make him a useful utilityman.
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  Ranked Kansas City Royals #25 prospect in 2012
  In the 2011 draft, scouts viewed Lopez as a polished high school middle infielder who could use some time in college to get bigger and stronger. Once the third round passed, the son of Reds bullpen coach Juan Lopez seemed destined to attend Miami. But the Royals took him in the 16th round and signed him at the Aug. 15 deadline for $750,000, matching what they paid second-rounder Cameron Gallagher. Kansas City viewed Lopez as one of the best high school shortstops in the draft, especially at the plate. He has good handeye coordination and a more advanced approach than the normal high school draftee. He doesn't have much power now, but he's expected to add strength as he fills out and already has added 10 pounds since last spring. Defensively, Lopez has fine actions, soft hands and a strong enough arm. His speed and range are solid. His game has a lot of similarities to Christian Colon's, though Lopez is more likely to stick at shortstop. He could handle an assignment to low Class A in his first full pro season, but he'll likely stay in Rookie ball because the Royals have a surplus of middle infielders headed to Kane County.