Typically, when one sees a .211/.256/.354 batting line in high A ball, one figures that the player to produce such a mark is well on his way to being either minor league filler or released. However, in rare circumstances, could it be that those numbers are actually indicative of a top prospect on the cusp of breaking through. In this case, Raul Mondesi may be about to prove the latter train of thought to be correct.

While that batting line from last year may be thoroughly underwhelming, Mondesi flashed enough power and speed potential to truly get on the radar. Already considered to be one of the Royals top prospects, and ranking as one of the 50 best prospects in baseball by MLB.com, Baseball America and baseballprospectus.com, Mondesi may have actually taken another step forward last season. For the Wilmington Blue Rocks, Mondesi hit fourteen doubles, twelve triples and eight home runs, while stealing 17 bases in 21 attempts.

Even though Raul Mondesi is starting to show some of those offensive tools that were expected to develop, his defense has been truly impressive. In fact, Mondesi may be a bit like the Royals present shortstop, Alcides Escobar, in his ability to make the spectacular seem routine and his strong arm. All that is needed is for his offense to progress at the same level.

For that to happen, Mondesi needs to improve his plate discipline. In Wilmington last year, Mondesi struck out in 25.6% of his plate appearances, far above the 19.7% average in the Carolina League. An improvement in that plate discipline could well lead to a dramatic improvement in his line drive rate, which was only 12.7% last season. Even getting that mark to the league average, 15.5%, could lead to a significant increase in Mondesi’s batting line.

Of course, when discussing Raul Mondesi, one has to mention his age. At age 18, Mondesi was the youngest player in the Carolina League by a full year, and was just under five years below the average age for the league. The fact that Mondesi managed to collect 34 extra base hits, steal 17 bases and play stellar defense at that age is certainly remarkable.

Raul Mondesi, with a couple more years of development, could turn into a solid power/speed option for the Royals. At shortstop, he would truly be a rare breed, a player capable of hitting somewhere between ten to fifteen home runs while stealing thirty or more bases. Mondesi will truly be fascinating to watch next season.