It wasn’t long ago that the Kansas City Royals selected Nick Pratto in the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft.

Pratto was a highly-touted prospect. He starred at Huntington Beach High School in California and drew comparisons to longtime MLB star Joey Votto.

Scouts raved about Pratto’s pure hitting ability. They were equally impressed with his defensive instincts at first base. Some evaluators graded Pratto among the top defensive first base prospects in the league.

As a result, Pratto rose through the Royals minor-league system.

Pratto ranked No. 3 among the Royals’ 2022 prospect class behind Bobby Witt Jr. and MJ Melendez. Later that season, Pratto made his MLB debut against the Toronto Blue Jays after multiple players didn’t travel due to COVID restrictions.

The Royals kept Pratto around the MLB roster. In his career, he has posted a .216 average with 14 home runs and 55 RBIs in 145 games.

However, Pratto struggled to make consistent contact. He has registered 204 strikeouts in 464 career at-bats and had a minimal impact in 2024.

The Royals didn’t have room for him. Vinnie Pasquantino was established as an everyday first baseman and KC captain Salvador Perez logged time as the backup.

Pratto, 26, was essentially blocked at the MLB level. This spring, Pratto knew he had to make a change as time was running out.

“My experiences the last couple of years have just been kind of unique to myself,” Pratto said. “I’m just coming out here and laying it all on the line and playing my brand of baseball. I think everybody in this room knows I’m capable of running on all cylinders. I think it will be fun to show that again.”

Pratto is out of minor-league options. He must make the team or risk being designated for assignment. There is opportunity available as the Royals are analyzing their bench and reserve roles.

KC has evaluated Pratto on multiple fronts. His clearest path to the roster depends on his ability to provide power from the left side of the plate.

This offseason, the Royals sought a middle of the order presence.

In Triple-A Omaha, Pratto hit 16 home runs and posted a .735 OPS (on-base plus slugging) in 115 games. Still, he struggled with plate discipline and finished with a 30.4% strikeout rate.

Pratto admits he needs to cut down on the strikeouts. He visited Driveline Baseball this offseason to iron out his swing mechanics. His goal was to drive the baseball to all fields.

“Just taking good at-bats, hitting the ball hard, driving the ball and really just being clean on the field,” Pratto said.

The Royals have Pratto competing with Nelson Velázquez, Drew Waters, Joey Wiemer, Cavan Biggio and Harold Castro for the final bench roles. There could be a couple spots available in spring training.

To better improve his chances, Pratto also made a positional change this offseason. He is now listed as a full-time outfielder. It has been an adjustment, but Pratto is excited about his ability to grow at the position.

“This is the first time I’ve been able to go through that and have a process out there,” Pratto said. “Not only that, this is the first time I’ve played the outfield healthy. It’s pretty interesting and I feel good out there and comfortable. I think just getting my legs underneath me and getting used to the day-to-day is going to be the biggest thing.”

With two weeks remaining until opening day, Pratto hopes to continue building his case for a spot on the Royals roster.

“I think they want to see it again,” Pratto said of his roster chances. “Regardless of what happens, I know that I’m prepared and ready to go.”