By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
Two Royals prospects are finally one step closer to the major leagues after being promoted to Triple A Omaha.
After dominating Double A ball at Northwest Arkansas, the Kansas City Royals have moved both shortstop Bobby Witt, Jr. and first baseman Nick Pratto up.
Witt, rated as MLB's number seven overall prospect per MLB Pipeline, entered Sunday prior to the callup as one of the top hitters in the league, slashing .292/.367/.531 with a .931 OPS. The 21-year-old number two draft pick was second in the league in home runs, only trailing teammate catcher MJ Melendez, with 16 home runs. He had 50 RBI and was tied for the league lead in hits with 71.
One hot topic since being drafted for Witt is where he might play when he finally makes it to the show. With shortstop Adalberto Mondesi, second baseman Whit Merrifield, and third baseman Hunter Dozier manning the infield. Witt played most of his games in Double A at shortstop, but did play eight games at third, excelling defensively at both positions.
Pratto slid his way into MLB Pipeline's Top 100 list just earlier this season, coming in at number 99. The 22-year-old manned the middle of the lineup with Witt. The duo hit back-to-back home runs four times.
Pratto entered Sunday prior to the call up hitting .273 and leading the league in extra base hits, hitting 13 doubles, four triples and 15 home runs, once again only trailing Melendez and Witt for the league lead.
Pratto is a lengthy defender, having only committed one error in 60 games this season.
Royals' fans got an opportunity to get a glimpse at both players early last week, during the MLB Futures game at Coors Field. Witt went 0 for 2 leading off for the American League and Pratto started at first base, working a walk in his first at bat, but ultimately going 0 for 1.
Both Pratto and Witt will make their Triple A debuts on Tuesday, when Omaha begins a six game series against St. Paul, the Minnesota Twins Triple A affiliate.