Wil Myers is a professional baseball player who has played for several teams in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 2009 and signed a contract as a catcher. However, his position on the field has since shifted, and many fans wonder: was Wil Myers always a catcher?.
Myers’ Draft and Signing Bonus
In 2009, Wil Myers was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the third round of the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft.
The Royals chose Myers with the 91st overall pick as a catcher, but he would later transition to the outfield during his professional career. At the time of his draft, Myers was a highly touted prospect due to his raw power and hitting ability.
The Royals’ decision to draft Myers in the third round turned out to be a wise one. During his minor league career, Myers quickly progressed through the ranks and became one of the top prospects in baseball.
He was named the Minor League Player of the Year in 2012, which helped solidify his position as a top prospect.
Upon being drafted by the Royals, Myers signed a contract that included a $2 million signing bonus. This was a considerable amount for a third-round pick, and it reflected the Royals’ high expectations for Myers. The signing bonus was indicative of Myers’ potential as a future star in the MLB.
In August 2009, Myers officially signed his contract with the Royals, which solidified his decision to begin his professional career rather than attending college.
The signing bonus was a significant factor in Myers’ decision, as it provided him with financial security and allowed him to pursue his dream of playing professional baseball.
In conclusion, Wil Myers’ draft and signing bonus by the Kansas City Royals were crucial moments in his baseball career.
The Royals’ decision to draft Myers in the third round paved the way for his successful professional career, and the $2 million signing bonus reflected the team’s high expectations for him.
Myers’ decision to sign with the Royals helped him to establish himself as a top prospect in baseball, and he has since proven to be a valuable player for multiple teams throughout his career.
Early Career as a Catcher
As mentioned in the previous section, Wil Myers was drafted as a catcher by the Kansas City Royals in 2009. Despite being considered a top prospect at the position, Myers was eventually moved to the outfield due to defensive limitations.
During his time as a catcher in the minors, Myers was primarily a backup, playing behind more experienced players in the Royals organization. He also struggled with consistency behind the plate, posting a .968 fielding percentage and throwing out just 19% of attempted base stealers in his minor league career.
However, Myers was still highly regarded for his offensive potential. In his first full season in the minors in 2010, he hit .315 with 14 home runs and 83 runs batted in (RBI) in 126 games across two levels of Class A.
The following year, he was named the Royals’ Minor League Player of the Year after hitting .254 with 37 doubles, 8 triples, 23 home runs, and 80 RBI in 99 games split between Double-A and Triple-A.
Despite his strong offensive numbers, Myers’ struggles behind the plate and the emergence of Salvador Perez as the Royals’ catcher of the future led to the decision to move Myers to the outfield.
He made the transition in 2012 and quickly showed that he could still produce at the plate, hitting .314 with 37 home runs and 109 RBI between Double-A and Triple-A that season.
Overall, while Myers’ time as a catcher was relatively brief, he showed flashes of the offensive potential that would make him one of the most highly-regarded prospects in baseball.
However, his defensive limitations made it clear that his future was as an outfielder, and it was that position switch that paved the way for his eventual major league success.
Transition to Outfielder and Third Baseman
Reasons for Myers’ Transition From Catcher to Outfielder
After playing as a catcher for several years in the minor leagues and moving up the ranks steadily, Wil Myers started experiencing problems with his throwing arm in 2011.
As a catcher, his arm had to be used frequently to throw out base stealers, leading to persistent inflammation in his right shoulder. To combat this issue, the Kansas City Royals decided to experiment with Myers and convert him into an outfielder.
The transition was also motivated by the fact that Myers’ batting potential was high, and the Royals wanted to optimize his hitting ability while also prolonging his career by reducing the wear and tear on his shoulder.
The move proved to be successful, as Myers excelled in the outfield position, earning a reputation as one of the best outfielders in the majors.
Information About Myers’ Performance as an Outfielder and Third Baseman
As an outfielder, Wil Myers has established himself as a highly skilled player, displaying exceptional speed, agility, and generally improving his fielding skills to complement his batting prowess.
He has made a significant impact on the San Diego Padres since joining the team, earning his first Gold Glove award in 2020 for his outstanding defensive play.
Myers has been equally impressive as a third baseman, having learned the position in 2021 after starting in the outfield for several years.
He has showcased his versatility by adjusting well to the new role and demonstrating the same level of excellence he displayed in the outfield.
Overall, Myers’ transition from catcher to outfielder has been smooth, and his exceptional performance in both positions is proof that he’s an exceptional athlete.
While injuries and circumstances forced the shift from his original position, it was the best thing that could have happened to his career, as he enjoys success in both batting and fielding.
Awards and Achievements
List of Awards and Achievements Earned by Myers
Since his debut in the Major League in 2013, Myers has had a remarkable career so far.
Some of his significant awards and achievements are:
American League Rookie of the Year Award (2013)
MLB All-Star(2016)
Wilson Defensive Player of the Year (2018)
MLB All-Star Game MVP (2016)
World Series Champion (2015)
Impact of Myers’ Transition on His Performance
Initially drafted as a catcher, Myers was later transitioned to the outfield position, where he has been playing consistently for years.
This switch did wonders for him as it gave him more opportunities and scope to explore his skills and abilities. Myers’ transition from a catcher to an outfielder had a significant impact on his performance on the field.
When Myers was being drafted, the Royals had high hopes for him as a catcher. However, due to a lack of consistency and some injuries, the Royals chose to transition him to the outfield position.
This turned out to be a wise decision as Myers’ outfield skills came to the forefront quickly. As an outfielder, he was able to showcase his speed, athleticism, and strong throwing arm, which helped him make some fantastic plays on the field.
Myers’ transition also helped him with his hitting. As a catcher, Myers was struggling to hit the ball consistently, which could have been due to the demanding job of catching.
However, when he shifted to the outfield position, he started working more on his swing and stance, which led to better productivity on the field.
As a result of his transition, Myers’ performance has improved tremendously. He has been able to establish himself as one of the best outfielders in the game, and his batting average has increased overall.
Moreover, he has also won some of the most prestigious awards in the game, such as the American League Rookie of the Year Award, which was a significant milestone in his career.
So, in conclusion, Myers’ transition from a catcher to an outfielder had a massive impact on his performance, helped him establish himself as one of the best outfielders in the game, and win some significant awards in his career.
How Old is Will Myers?
Brief individual background of Will Myers – Importance of knowing his age
Early Life and Career – Details about his birthdate and place – His journey to becoming a professional baseball player – Achievements and recognitions as a prospect player
Professional Baseball Career – Myers’ debut in MLB and team affiliations – Notable career highlights and statistics – Injuries and setbacks throughout his career
Current Age and Future Plans – Myers’ current age and birthday – Plans for the future and goals to achieve – Contribution to the team and community outside the field
key points about Myers’ age and career – Final thoughts on his impact as a baseball player and public figure
Overall, Will Myers is a prominent figure in professional baseball, and knowing his age and career highlights can help fans and enthusiasts appreciate his contributions to the sport.
Despite experiencing setbacks and injuries, he continues to strive towards achieving his goals and making an impact both on and off the field.
Is Wil Myers a Free Agent?
Wil Myers A Player for San Diego Padres Wil Myers is currently a player for the San Diego Padres in the MLB.
Wil Myers Contract Status Wil Myers will be a free agent in the 2023-2024 season.
Myers’ Performance in the MLB Wil Myers has had a solid career in the MLB with a career batting average of .246 and 136 home runs.
Potential Suitors for Wil Myers As a free agent in 2023-2024, there could be several teams interested in Wil Myers’ services.
Wil Myers’ Future in the MLB It is unclear what team Wil Myers will play for after his contract expires, but he could potentially receive a lucrative deal.
Who is Wil Myers Married to?
Wil Myers’ Marriage to Maggie Reaves Wil Myers has been married to Maggie Reaves since November 3, 2018, in a private ceremony.
Meeting the Love of His Life Myers met Reaves when he was playing for the Durham Bulls and she was working for the team’s front office.
Why Did He Get Nicknamed El Gallo? During his tenure with the Padres, Mark Grant gave Myers the nickname “El Gallo” because of his unique hairstyle that resembled a rooster’s comb.
The Legal Dispute with Carmel Country Club in Charlotte In November 2021, Wil Myers and Carmel Country Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, sued each other over a contract dispute.
Personal Life Beyond Baseball In addition to his baseball career, Myers is also involved in several philanthropic endeavors, including working with the United Way and the Boys & Girls Club.
To Recap
While Wil Myers began his professional baseball career as a catcher, he has played multiple positions throughout his time in the Major Leagues. Whether he is manning the outfield or stepping up to the plate as a designated hitter, Wil Myers remains a valuable asset to any team he plays for.
Despite any position shifts, fans can look back at Myers’ early career and see how he got his start as a catcher.
