Mitchell squares up first pro homer for Columbia

Blake Mitchell knew he just missed.

In the bottom of the sixth inning in Single-A Columbia’s game against Myrtle Beach on Saturday night, the Royals’ 2023 first-round Draft pick saw back-to-back offerings in the sweet spot of the strike zone. Kansas City’s No. 1 prospect took a mighty swing, but both instances resulted in foul balls.

After his last swing, the 19-year-old took off his helmet and took a quick breather before pausing and giving himself a mental message.

“‘When the next one comes, just be ready for it.'”

Mitchell was met with a pitch down the middle from Myrtle Beach righty Francis Reynoso. The left-handed hitter unleashed a strong swing, flipped his bat and admired the ball as it sailed over the fence at Segra Park. MLB’s No. 87 prospect knew he just hit his first professional home run when he made contact with the ball.

“I got the first one out of the way,” Mitchell said after Columbia’s 9-0 win. “I was glad to finally square up a pitch this week. I've been struggling a little bit early on, it's good to pick it up.”

Being his first pro dinger was already a special moment. But he was taken aback by how loud the roar of the 5,358 fans in attendance was as Mitchell trotted around the bases. It gave his two-run home run just much more meaning to the young catcher.

“We have the best fans here,” Mitchell said. “They're always showing up to the games always supporting us and always have our backs. It's such a great area over here and they're all for it every single night.”

After being drafted out of Sinton High School (Texas) -- where he was a rare two-time Gatorade Player of the Year -- Mitchell signed with the Royals for a reported $4.9 million and reported to the Arizona Complex League, where he struggled. In 13 games, Mitchell went 5-for-34 (.147) with 14 strikeouts, although he did compile 17 walks.

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He has gotten to a slow start in Single-A in his first six games, accumulating a slash line of .179/.343/.357. But in baseball, sometimes you just need one moment to change the trajectory of a player’s performance. And the Royals are confident in the way Mitchell carries himself.

“You watch for the same approach and same rhythm no matter who or what he’s playing for,” Royals South Texas area scout Josh Hallgren said in July 2023. “He doesn’t get rattled. I can’t say that for a lot of college guys.”

Mitchell got a taste of being a Major League player by playing with the Royals during Spring Breakout at Surprise Stadium. The talented environment in that showcase motivated him to become the best version of himself and set up a blueprint for what he wants to accomplish in his journey to the Majors.

But he knows there’s going to be a lot of lessons on the way.

“You're going to fail a lot in this game,” Mitchell said. “You got to go up there every day with your head up and be a leader out there every single day and don't show their emotions when things aren't going your way.”