Royals acquire prospect Fox in trade with Rays

It isn't Gotham, but Lucius Fox is bringing his impressive tools to Kansas City.

The Royals acquired the switch-hitting infielder from the Rays on Thursday in exchange for Major League outfielder Brett Phillips, both clubs announced. Fox was Tampa Bay's No. 26 prospect at the time of the deal and became the No. 25 prospect in his new system, per MLB.com's rankings.

We have acquired INF Lucius Fox from the Tampa Bay Rays for OF Brett Phillips. #Royals pic.twitter.com/BLIVSZ1sUC

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) August 27, 2020

Kansas City will be Fox's third pro organization. The 23-year-old, who went to high school in Florida, was signed by the Giants for $6 million in July 2015 after he moved back to his native Bahamas. He was traded from San Francisco to Tampa Bay on Aug. 1, 2016 in the deal that sent Matt Moore the other way. One year later, he participated in the All-Star Futures Game in Miami, representing the Rays on the World team.

Fox spent most of the 2019 season with Double-A Montgomery, where he was a Southern League end-of-season All-Star. He posted a .230/.340/.342 line with three homers in 104 games and led the circuit with 37 stolen bases. Fox also saw action with Triple-A Durham in August and July but went just 6-for-42 (.143) with one extra-base hit and 15 strikeouts, prompting a return to Double-A.

Fox's best tool is his plus speed. He's swiped at least 25 bags in each of his four Minor League seasons and ranks 14th overall in the Minor Leagues with 123 thefts since 2016. He has predominantly played shortstop, where his glove and arm are both potentially above-average, but also saw time at second and third last season as Tampa Bay tried to increase his versatility. However, his hit tool only has 45-grade potential, according to MLB.com, and his power projects to be well below average. He could provide infield depth for Kansas City now that he's away from a Tampa Bay organization that boasted several top prospects up the middle like Wander Franco, Vidal Brujan and Xavier Edwards.

Phillips, who was a top-50 overall prospect prior the 2016 season, is headed to the Rays in a homecoming of sorts. The 26-year-old outfielder was selected by the Astros in the sixth round of the 2012 Draft out of Seminole (Fla.) High School, about 30 minutes away from Tropicana Field. He's played for both the Brewers and Royals in the Majors and has hit .226/.294/.387 with one homer in 18 games this season. He played primarily in center field with Kansas City but can also man the corners, where his plus arm is an asset. Phillips is out of options and will need to remain with the Major League club or be designated for assignment.