All 40 rounds of the 2018 MLB Draft came and went without former Oregon State standout Luke Heimlich selected. It wasn’t too long ago that the pitcher was considered a potential No. 1 overall pick.
But during the latter stages of his career with the Beavers, it became public record that a then 15-year-old Heimlich pleaded guilty to a felony charge of molesting his six-year-old niece back in 2012. This ultimately forced Heimlich off every team’s draft board.
According to Vahe Gregorian of The Kansas City Star, the Royals are considering signing the southpaw. In fact, general manager Dayton Moore pretty much confirmed this. “We continue to seek information that allows us to be comfortable in pursuing Luke,” Moore said, via Gregorian.
There’s certainly a public relations level to all of this. In no way would a majority of baseball fans support Kansas City signing a sex offender. That includes this team’s fan base.
Those against this idea are also already speaking out to the media.
“I’m sorry, but Luke does not deserve to be on that platform and pedestal, (potentially) looked up to and adored by millions of people, including young kids,” Oregon-based activist Brenda Tracy told the Star.”
On the field, Heimlich was probably one of the top two or three pitchers in the 2018 MLB Draft. Off the field, he comes with baggage that has made it clear a career in professional baseball might not be, and to many, shouldn’t be in the cards.