2019 MLB Draft: Illinois second baseman Michael Massey selected by Royals in fourth round

Illinois junior second baseman Michael Massey has been drafted by the Kansas City Royals.

Massey was taken by the Royals with the 109th pick in the draft and was the first Illini off the board.

Massey has the most upside of any Illini, so much so that he made MLB.com’s prospect list at No. 157. Massey was ranked the No. 2 MLB prospect in the Big Ten and No. 3 second basement in the nation by D1baseball.com

Earning the title, “Best pure hitter in the big ten” has been a result of tireless effort at the plate. His good approach and smooth left handed stroke has led him to great Illinois career and promise in the future.

Massey hit .325 on the year and knocked out 5 homers to go with 27 RBI. Massey’s .325 is the lowest he has ever hit in an Illini uniform (.330 and .326).

The smooth swinger doesn’t only get it done at the plate, but Massey is a Gold Glove winner as well. Massey made four errors his freshman year, one his sophomore year, and zero this season.

Through leading by example both on the plate and defensively, any team would be lucky to have Michael.

Massey has earned All-Big Ten Third Team honors, All-Big Ten Freshman Team honors, All-Big Ten Second Team honors, and All-Big Ten First Team honors in his time at Illinois.

While his arm may not translate to the big league level at shortstop, Massey’s quick and soft hands present him as a good option at second or third on any big league club, with a bat that’ll play in any spot of the order.

For vintage inspired, high quality, and well-designed University of Illinois apparel, check out Fourth and Kirby, and look for the TCR Collection while you’re at it!