MLB Rookie Profile: Eric Skoglund, LHP, Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals have promoted left-handed pitcher Eric Skoglund to the major league roster and he is expected to make his MLB debut tonight against the Detroit Tigers. Here’s a quick take on what to expect.

The Royals drafted Skoglund in the third round in 2014 from the University of Central Florida. Injuries limited him to 84 innings in High-A in 2015 though he performed well (3.52 ERA, 66/11 K/BB). He moved up to Double-A in 2016 with similar numbers (3.5, 134/38 K/BB) in a fully healthy season, then was holding his own in Triple-A this year with a 4.53 ERA in 44 innings with a 40/10 K/BB for Omaha.

Skoglund ranked fourth on the 2017 pre-season Kansas City Royals Top 20 prospects list with the following comment:

4) Eric Skoglund, LHP, Grade B-: Age 24, third round pick in 2014 from University of Central Florida; 3.45 ERA in 156 innings in Double-A with 134/38 K/BB; classic finesse lefty with 88-92 MPH fastball, curveball, change-up; throws strikes and can look intimidating at 6-7 despite lack of plus stuff; Texas League observers were impressed with his composure and pitching instincts; potential number four starter. ETA: late 2017.

Listed at 6-7, 200, Skoglund is a left-handed hitter and thrower born October 26, 1992. The pre-season report still holds: his stuff is essentially average with an 88-92 MPH heater. His change-up is ahead of his breaking ball and he relies a great deal on command, control, and composure.

Skoglund doesn’t blow hitters away but he seldom beats himself and could be a nice back-end starter.