Power and speed is evident, with a plus hit tool. Kowars changeup is one of the best in the minors, which allows his high-velocity, but straight, fastball play up. Angel Zerpa, LHP (January unranked) Acquired: 2018 Draft, Rd 3, Pick 94 Kansas City Royals 2021 Top 50 Prospects January 9, 2021 Michael Kelley AL Central, General, MiLB, Royals, Top 50 Lists 0 Graphic design by John Stewart, @jonance on Twitter The Royals continue to stockpile talent, as the championship run of 2015 fades further into the rear-view mirror. The versatile fielder isnt a glove-only prospect; he has a good feel to hit with 10-15 homers at peak. Seuly Matias, OF 39. I think there is a pretty significant drop-off in prospect quality at this point, with everyone either having some red flags, coming off injury or a poor season, or is so far away from the big leagues it is difficult to project performance. 10 is catcher Carter Jensen, who went to Park Hill HS in Kansas City before the Royals drafted him in the third round in 2021. His upside is limited given his advanced age, however his ability to play outfield and infield is something the Royals covet. Void in ONT. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. Highest Level: Rookie Highest Level: MLB More to explore : Daniel Lynch, LHP (No. Bradley is a nice high-floor, low-ceiling outfielder who does a lot of everything well, but doesnt stand out in any one area. Current Level: AAA. For the second straight year, shortstop phenom Bobby Witt Jr. headlines the Royals Top 30 Prospects list, and the 20-year-old seems to just be getting better since he was drafted No. Its safe to say that Pratto hasnt lived up to expectation. Still, I like his power potential and his plate discipline, and the 23-year-old could be one to watch this year. More figure to follow. When Im not writing about baseball or purchasing my next baseball card, I can be seen coasting down the highway to yet another travel baseball tournament with my wife and son. Highest Level: Low A Age: 19 We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Where the Mariners' Top 30 prospects are starting season. Highest Level: Low A He didnt play much his first season after signing, and while he mashed with 14 home runs for Quad Cities in 2022, he was a bit old for High-A. All 10 of the prospects ranked in the Royals Top 10 are homegrown players, with nine coming via the Draft and one (Erick Pena, No. The 2022 second-round pick got his professional career off to a solid start last year, hitting .294/.369/.468 with 12 walks and eight steals in 27 games. It was exactly the kind of low-risk, high-reward pick to take late in a draft. If youd like to cross-reference this list with the pre-season, here is the Royals list. Age: 25 The Royals placed three prospects on Keith Law's top 50 prospect list with Witt at #6, Lynch at #27, and Pratto at #46. Bowlan is another guy I was really big on when he was drafted, but Tommy John surgery really derailed his career. 2021 Kansas City Royals Midseason Top 30 Prospects Update By Bill Mitchell on July 29, 2021 An early run in which the Royals finished April with a 15-9 record didn't last long, but it was. March 20, 2023. Its understandable for the cupboards to be bare immediately following the successful journey up the mountain to baseballs best. Sebastian Rivero, C Age: 24 Current Level: Low-A. The full rankings and reports on all top 30 prospects per team will be available on our Patreon at the 55-tier ($5 level) as we publish them. Acquired: 2018 Trade (Washington) Age: 23 A third-round pick of the Royals in 2021 and one-time LSU commit, the 19-year-old Kansas City native hit .226 over 113 games last season at low-A Columbia and batted .281 at the rookie level in. Age: 23 28. 37. It wont be long before hes ready. I thought I might come up with my own prospect list, not because I really know what Im talking about that much - this is really meant to be a conversation starter. Current Level: AAA. But to get to where they want to be, the Royals will have to rely on their young talent, just like they did in their 2014-15 run to the World Series. Drew Waters, Beck Way, Andrew Hoffmann, Samad Taylor, T.J. Sikkema, Chandler Champlain and Steven Cruz all joined the Royals in the past year from other organizations. 38. Tier 2: Players with an above average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor 42. 14. Kansas City seems to be on the verge of contending in the next few years, and it has added a wealth of experience to the 2021 roster to help push the club back into the postseason. 2021 has gone just as well, as he moved to Double-A Northwest Arkansas and slid into the front of the Naturals' rotation after Bowlan went down in late May with Tommy John surgery. Rylan Kaufman, LHP Bullpens require flamethrowers and Hernandez certainly fits that bill with his premium velocity fastball and high strikeout rate. Erick Pena, OF (January rank #3) Your email address will not be published. Tyler Gentry, OF Michael Kelley When we released our top 50 Royals prospects list last week, I briefly recapped some of the players on our list, but I wanted to go a little further in-depth and remind everyone how our boys were doing on the farm last time there was MiLB: in the fall of 2019. Highest Level: Double A Dylan Coleman, RHP (January unranked) Current Level: AA. 5 prospect Wallace thriving in Royals' 'family environment' March 17, 2023 Gordon gets a surprise as KC honors Minor Leaguers March 6, 2023 Royals top prospect tumbles his way to debut triple March 4, 2023 'Who are you?' 40. If he sticks as a regular, that will be a huge feather in the cap of J.J. Picollo - who acquired him from the Braves in a creative trade for a draft pick - and the hitting development team led by Alec Zumwalt. His impressive line of .240/.324/.479 in 32 games with the Royals comes with the caveat that he struck out 36.7 percent of the time. But there are still plenty of rising prospects to know. Highest Level: High A The Arizona Complex League just got underway, so well give Candelario a pass on his lackluster results through his first dozen games. Age: 23 Age: 22 2 prospect; hell be an Opening Day outfielder and play behind the plate in 2023. 46. pic.twitter.com/0Fs1XGxOPF, Conference USA (@ConferenceUSA) May 23, 2019. Mejia currently plays the role of part-time Utility player for the Royals. Kansas City Royals Prospects Overview System analysis, top prospects, projected lineups, and more Current Top Prospects 1 Gavin Cross OF 2 Cayden Wallace 3B 3 Drew Waters OF 4 Ben. Highest Level: MLB I suppose he could become Whit Merrifield, but right now he looks like an okay utility infielder you keep on your bench. Bowlan has answered concerns over development of secondary offering. I feel like Gentry should be getting a bit more love from prospect lists, but I suppose his age (hell turn 24 in February) is likely keeping him from getting more recognition. Hell need to bring his walk rate down, but hes a guy that could have some helium with a good season. Highest Level: MLB Jensen started the 2022 season in Columbia, a good sign for a very young prospect. 24. Now that hes another year removed from his injury, perhaps he can get back to being a strike-thrower with a solid 93-95 mph fastball and curve. Its more likely he finds a role in the upper minors that gets the occasional call-up as an injury replacement. Highest Level: High A Nick Loftin, UTIL 5. Current Level: Rookie. Acquired: 2020 Draft, Rd 4, Pick 105 Yefri Del Rosario, RHP (January rank #13) Ford's Classic run, poise impress on, off field. Bobby Witt Jr., SS (January rank #1) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Age: 26 Garcia is the cousin of former Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar, and while they are both above-average defenders, that is probably where the comparisons end. Physical LH bat with strength and juice. When it comes to 6-foot-7 center fielders, the only current example is, ironically, Aaron Judge. The physical traits are all there, with a long way to go before becoming completely viable. Should flash 20 HR power as well. Vinnie Pasquantino jumped to No. The 21-year-old still has loads of potential and will be one to watch if he can get back on track. See our ethics statement. Darryl Collins, OF Most college pitchers shut down after being drafted, then pick it up the following season. Evan Steele, LHP While some scouts compare him to another former Royal, Carlos Beltran, I see Pena getting a heavy dose of right field. Acquired: 2020 Draft, Rd 1, Pick 32 15. He gets good power out of his 59 frame, and I suppose you can dream and imagine him turning into left-handed version of Dustin Pedroia, but even if hes a utility player with decent power and speed, thats valuable to have. Another utility player for the Royals, he likely remains organizational depth with a long shot at getting a cup of coffee. After thoroughly dominating Double-A Northwest Arkansas for two and a half months, the Royals have finally promoted top prospects Bobby Witt Jr., age 21, and Nick Pratto, age 22, to Triple-A. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Jon Heasley, RHP Arrow still points up, though. A knee injury ended his 21 season early, but he quickly showed it wouldnt affect him in 22. Chicago White Sox Chi White Sox Cleveland Guardians Cleveland Detroit Tigers Detroit Kansas City Royals Kansas City Minnesota Twins Minnesota. He has a good amount of swing and miss in his game, but hes adept at getting a key extra base hit when needed. After dominating the Dominican Summer League last year, the switch-hitter played well in Arizona and held his own as a 19-year-old in 18 games at Low-A. Age: 23 Maikel Garcia, SS 4. Age: 18 Acquired: 2018 Amateur Free Agency Acquired: 2020 Draft, Rd 3, Pick 76 All he has to do is put everything together (much easier said than. The lefty dominated in High-A, where he was old for his level and struggled upon joining the Royals in Double-A. At first, he made the trade look good for the Royals, hitting .304 . Yohanse Morel, RHP Wilson is your prototypical scrappy gamer who can play all over the field and profiles as a utility infielder. Peyton Wilson, 2B/OF (January rank N/A) These top prospects are closing in on the Majors. Age: 22 27. 16. 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Sebastian Rivero, C (January rank #38) Acquired: 2019 Draft, Rd 2, Pick 44 Bobby Witt Jr. began the year as baseballs No. :@OMAStormChasers pic.twitter.com/9KdWBMCfX2. Big, strong and physical, Gentry has raw power that hes still unlocking. Near the end of last years draft, the Royals took a gamble they could lure Charles away from college with a large enough bonus and it worked! Where the Blue Jays' Top 30 prospects are starting season. Brewer Hicklen, OF (January rank #34) Local Kansas City product Ben Kudrna is the Royals top pitching prospect at No. 2021. Hes a local kid from St. Joseph who attended Central Arkansas, and his fastball sits in the low-90s, so I guess that doesnt scream huge upside. April 3, 2023. Keep your on him. 40% strikeout rates generally never make it in the major leagues, as a result, Matias has a long climb ahead of him. 1 prospect and ended the year fourth in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Grant Gambrell, RHP Current Level: Rookie. Current Level: High-A. 2019 stats (Rookie): 51.1 IP, 3.33 ERA, 4.19 FIP, 25.1% K%, 6.4% BB%, 1.05 HR/. He seems to have a mature approach to the plate with a decent amount of walks and very few strikeouts, and many evaluators seem to think he has plus power potential. Kudrna is from local Blue Valley Southwest HS in Overland Park and brings with him tons of athleticism, projectability, and jaw-dropping results. If he can figure out his issues, he could be in the big leagues before long - he had great stuff and a polished approach in college and has struck out nearly 30 percent of the hitters hes faced. He was even better there, crushing 16 homers and posting a .972 OPS. A speedster from Venezuela, he has wasted no time showcasing his wheels, with 24 stolen bases out of 26 attempts on the year. Highest Level: Double A Armed with a high 90s fastball, he induces a ton of swings and misses from opponents, racking up 13.0 K/9 in 2020. Asa Lacy, LHP Age: 24 Tier 3 8. 14. Zerpa is probably a lower-ceiling pitcher, but he has shown an ability to throw strikes, and he did miss bats at Double-A last year with 9.7 strikeouts-per-nine innings. 2 overall in 2019, despite not having any Minor League games last year. 0. 9. Current Level: AAA. Yefri Del Rosario, RHP He has a chance to be a reliever, due to high strikeout rates. Highest Level: High School 26. Tagged: 2021 Mid-Season Top 30, Texas Rangers, Jack Leiter, Josh Jung, Cole Winn, Justin Foscue, Evan Carter, Josh H. Smith, Dustin Harris, Ezequiel Duran, Davis Wendzel, Ronny Henriquez, Bubba Thompson, Cody Bradford, Yerry Rodriguez, Bayron Lora, Glenn Otto, Trevor Hauver, Tekoah Roby, Owen White, Joe Barlow, Aaron Zavala, Sam Huff, Sherten Gavin Cross, OF (MLB No. Tier 5: Players who are worth keeping an eye on, but likely to never make a teams 40-man roster. Eaton missed a chunk of the 2021 season due to an injury, and between the injury and the lack of power (.127 ISO) he showed as a 24-year old in High-A, I admittedly forgot to rank him in our mid-season list last year. Current Level: 2021 1st Rd Draft Selection #7 Overall. Highest Level: MLB The right-hander has a fastball in the mid-90s with a decent breaking ball, and had good strikeout numbers as a 20-year-old in Low-A. Acquired: 2020 Draft Rd 1, Pick 4 In an increasingly crowded minor league bullpen group, Gavin has improved his K/BB ratio, which could spring him above the pack as next in line for a shot in KC. 50. Age: 23 Players are graded on a 20-80 scouting scale for future tools -- 20-30 is well below average, 40 is below average, 50 is average, 60 is above average and 70-80 is well above average. Big-framed righthander that throws gas. Acquired: 2018 Draft, Rd 13 Berroa was the prized prospect in the Johnny Damon trade, coming over from the A's organization. Marsh still displays excellent control, and now the strikeout rates are escalating for the former Arizona State hurler. Acquired: 2018 Draft, Rd 12 This season, weve seen Khalil Lee traded to the Mets, Nick Heath to the Diamondbacks, along with Grant Gambrell and Luis De La Rosa being shipped off to Boston in the Andrew Benintendi trade. Current Level: High-A. I love the Braves, bat flips and outfield assists. After playing in the Arizona Fall League last year, Gentry could move quickly this season. Kansas City Royals Top 50 Prospects (2023) January 28, 2023 Adam Halpin AL Central, General, MiLB, Royals, Top 50 Lists 8 Kansas City Royals Top 50 graphic design by Michael Packard, @CollectingPack on Twitter In a couple of fairly significant moves, the Royals traded two projected regulars in Michael A. Taylor and Adalberto Mondesi. Premium velocity may force a role in the bullpen for Hernandez, but theres still time to show the Royals he can take the ball every fifth day. Age: 26 Age: 27 #LetsGlow pic.twitter.com/9sSewyomSn. Lacy was the best LHP in the 2020 Draft. GRAND SLAM. Age: 20 Age: 20 Age: 23 If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/OH/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500(VA). Tyler Zuber, RHP (January rank #32) 2 perfect innings so far. Its been a bumpy and injury-prone road since. With a mature frame with command, Kaufman should remain a starter, albeit in an organization flush with starting pitcher prospects. Brady McConnell, SS Where the Royals' Top 30 prospects are starting season April 4, 2023 Royals' farm gets boost from Draft bats March 20, 2023 No. 12. Highest Level: College . He has some nasty stuff, but being able to harness it eludes him. The Royals went underslot with Mozzicato to get Kudrna in the second round, so the two will always be linked in the minds of many fans. Early reports from spring training and the alternate site suggest that Witt is rising to the occasion, even getting some work in at the Hot Corner. March 19, 2023. 19. You can also read Prospects Live, David Leskys top Royals prospect list and Royals Farm Report still has good analysis of Royals prospects. SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Royals saw the first two of their loaded 2018 Draft class reach the Major Leagues in 2020, with right-hander Brady Singer and left-hander Kris Bubic graduating from MLB Pipelines Top 30 Prospects list in their rookie seasons. Maikel Garcia, SS (January rank #28) Isbel is more a high-floor type of prospect, but should be a serviceable corner OF (likely LF) at the MLB level. Waters has always had tools, but couldnt figure it out in the Braves system. Heath led all of the minor leagues in 2019 in stolen bases. When J.J. Picollo says that minor league pitching development isnt the problem, Marsh and Lacy are the two pitchers I think of as a point against that. This list only includes players among the Royals Top 30 prospects. The Royals were fast out of the gate, owning baseballs best record at one point. Age: 24 Highest Level: High A From the Top 100: Brady Singer and Kris Bubic saw the majors in 2020, but Lynch was and still is their best pitching prospect, a lefty who's up to 99 mph with three off-speed pitches that can. Age: 23 It has been a long time since we've had real, actual MiLB to watch. Acquired: 2019 Draft, Rd 4, Pick 109 Acquired: 2016 Draft, Rd 29 He has excellent control , which will allow him to continue to develop as a starter. Christian Chamberlain, LHP (January rank #31) Age: 21 Current Level: High-A Acquired: 2019 Draft, Rd 11 He will have to get more whiffs, or at least improve his command, but Kudrna has the physical upside to improve. The prize of the Andrew Benintendi trade last summer, Way struck out 127 hitters in 108 innings in High-A between the Yankees and Royals organization, with a solid 3.75 ERA overall. Hes athletic and strong with a good walk rate (13 percent last year) and could play either corner outfield position. #LSU commit pic.twitter.com/Nnqk5RKrI3, Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 23, 2020, 34. I have to cut Gambrell some slack as he made 10 starts after being drafted out of Oregon State. Alexander was an afterthought in the Braves trade, but he smacked 25 home runs in 114 games overall last year in Double-A, with 19 steals to boot. Itll be Penas power bat with solid contact skills that carries him to stardom. Chicago native & @UICBaseball commit Ben Hernandez struck out the side in a perfect 9th in yesterdays #UAALLAMERICA Game in front of his hometown crowd at Wrigley Field. 2. His progress has been a bit slow, and he turns 22 this summer, so he really needs to get his career moving. Acquired: 2015 Amateur Free Agency He's got a big fastball and that's about it in terms of high-profile stuff. Hes the Royals No. A lot of Royals fans didnt like the team reaching for Mozzicato for the #7 pick in the 2021 draft, myself included, but the young lefty out of Connecticut has showed some promise early on. Current Level: 2021 Competitive Balance B Draft Selection (#66 Overall). Explore Dunedin's TD Ballpark. April 12, 2023. What do you think? 5. 41. Hit: 60 -- Witt Jr.Power: 60 -- Witt Jr.Run: 65 -- Brewer HicklenArm: 70 -- Seuly MatiasDefense: 70 -- Nick PrattoFastball: 75 -- Samuel ValerioCurveball: 60 -- Alec Marsh (Austin Cox, Noah Murdock)Slider: 60 -- Lynch (Lacy)Changeup: 70 -- KowarControl: 60 -- Jonathan Bowlan, How they were builtDraft: 20 | International: 8 | Trade: 2, Breakdown by ETA2021: 9 | 2022: 11 | 2023: 6 | 2024: 3 | 2025: 1, Breakdown by positionC: 1 | 1B: 1 | 2B: 0 | 3B: 0 | SS: 5 | OF: 6 | RHP: 12 | LHP: 5. 5 at the start of 22 -- now hes a mainstay in the middle of the Royals lineup. Current Level: AAA. Highest Level: High A Lets check in on the system Dayton Moore has built. 49. Age: 20 I like the sinking action on Zerpas low-90s fastball and he seems to induce a lot of groundballs with his breaking ball and change. An ERA under 1.5 with a K:BB ratio of nearly 8.5 to 1 will get my attention. McConnell will likely move off of SS, and his plate discipline needs plenty of work. Age: 24 7. The Royals' first-round pick from 2021 will finally get his first taste this season of pro ball. Current Level: MLB. 40. Certainly a surprise to many with Rocker on the board, dont look past the lefty prepster from Connecticut; his statistical output is off the chart at nearly 22 K/9! 3. Acquired: 2018 Amateur Free Agency There are experts out there who know a lot more about these players than I do - Baseball America has their Royals prospect list, MLB Pipeline does a top 30 list, and Keith Law will be out with his Royals list tomorrow. Lacy comes with major red flags at this point, suffering from a complete inability to throw strikes that may be due to a back injury or may be just the yips. 9. Royals fans have gotten a glimpse of the Venezuelan lefty and he has been impressive as hell with a 1.13 ERA in 16 innings, aggressively throwing strikes without fear. Age: 24 . He has a plus glove in center and a strong arm, so he can at least provide some defensive utility, but the upside with his bat is likely pretty limited. I love the Braves, bat flips and outfield assists. So far, the production hasnt met the expectations when they signed him in 2015. The curret crop of prospects is impressive, with the farm system ranked No. Plus stuff, good sequencing and well above average control have front offers staffers dreaming of a Lacy-Lynch 1-2 punch. Likely a strong number 2 starter with a mid 90s fastball, plus slider, and plus changeup. Cox has mid-rotation upside with a very nice fastball/curveball combination. If you'd like to cross-reference this list with the pre-season, here is the Phillies List. His 3-game MLB debut notwithstanding, Lynch still projects as a solid #2/3 type starter to slot in behind Lacy in the rotation. He hit just 11 home runs in 113 games, but again, he was an 18-year-old kid, and he seemed to get better as the season went along. Many guys can throw mid to upper 90s in the minors, but its Lacys desire to dominate and his work ethic that sets him apart. Highest Level: Double A Age: 19 This will be harder to do as he moves up levels, but if he can find success, hell rise up the rankings to one day have a shot at the big leagues. 23. Age: 21 The Royals continue to stockpile talent, as the championship run of 2015 fades further into the rear-view mirror. Asa Lacy, LHP (No. *Clicking on the players name allows you to view their Baseball-Reference page. Current Level: AA. While its clear there is a great amount of talent-building ahead of them to become viable, the Royals are still in great position at the minor league levels. pic.twitter.com/UMatRBjAAP, Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) July 21, 2020. Super high ceiling for Pena. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & resort (KS). Current Level: High-A. Age: 22 Where the Rays' Top 30 prospects are starting season. He had a patient eye at Virginia Tech with good power, and Keith Law reports that his power potential has only increased since joining the Royals. Another 2018 Draft pitcher, Daniel Lynch, is ranked behind Witt at No. 21. Current Level: High-A. Average hit tool with decent ability to get on base suggest a possible pinch hit role, but likely will be a career minor leaguer. 3. Ive been writing my series covering 2022 Kansas City Royals prospects to watch from each level this morning and I cant get over how nasty Ben Hernandezs change up is. Age: 23 3. Who should have been included? The Royals were hoping they had acquired a strike-thrower, but his walks spiked significantly after the trade. Shane Panzini, RHP (January rank N/A) Baseball America had Tresh pegged as a second-round talent, but the Royals scooped him up in the 17th round of the 2021 draft when he fell due to signability concerns. Kudrna and the hitter were on the same page re: how long they wanted this at-bat to last. But I thought Id at least take a stab ranking Royals prospects, and Im curious about what you think about the state of the Royals farm system. Kelvin Gutierrez, 3B Blewett finds himself surrounded by plenty of other capable relievers, so this season is pivotal for him to carve out a role. Acquired: 2016 Amateur Free Agency Acquired: 2017 Draft, Rd 3, Pick 90 Entering the Top 30 this year are 17-year-old shortstop Daniel Vasquez, whom the Royals signed during the international signing period this year; right-hander Will Klein, who was drafted in the fifth round of the 2020 Draft; and right-hander Samuel Valerio, who burst onto the scene at fall instructional camp with a 102-mph fastball. Michael Kelley Jeison Guzman, SS (January rank #36) 46. The ninth overall pick in last Junes draft, Cross is pretty much the consensus top prospect in the farm system. Highest Level: College He has good, but not plus speed, and a good enough to arm to try shortstop or third base. Call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelpline.ma.org (MA), Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Long on athleticism, the former football player, displayed good power and well above average speed in the Carolina League. That leads to our brand new scouting report pages that contains their reports from the preseason. The full rankings and reports on all top 30 prospects per team will be available on our Patreon at the 55-tier ($5 level) as we publish them. The ten starts that Bubic was able to get in during the shortened season is invaluable experience. April 2, 2023. Age: 22 I view Gutierrez as a pinch hitter, defensive replacement type of player. Age: 19 9 overall pick in the 2022 Draft is the No. If you're into fantasy baseball, this tier also gets you the dynasty show, the FYPD list, and the MiLB Daily Sheet during the regular season. Acquired: 2020 Draft, Rd 2 Pick 41 Otherwise mediocre results at age-appropriate levels are cause for concern. Acquired: 2018 Draft, Rd 1, Pick 34 Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2021 Bowman Sterling Prospect Autographs AUSTIN COX #BSPA-AC K.C. If the Royals need a late-inning, double play, this is the guy to call upon. Age: 19 Acquired: 2016 Draft, Rd 3 , Pick 103 Back from Classic, Lopez eyes Opening Day roster. 19. He has good raw power and exit velo numbers, but Ive read mixed reviews about his defense behind the plate. Its Nick Prattos 15th of the season too, he and Bobby Witt Jr. hit consecutive homers for the 4TH time this season! Top 30s:ALW: HOU | LAA | OAK | SEA | TEXALC: CLE | CWS | DET | KC | MINALE: BAL | BOS | NYY | TB | TORNLW: ARI | COL | LAD | SD | SFNLC: CHC | CIN | MIL | PIT | STLNLE: ATL | MIA | NYM | PHI | WSH. Age: 24 Age: 21 Control is often the last skill that young hurlers develop, with Hernandez being no different. Age: 25 Age: 18 22. Top 30 by Team. Hes young for AAA Omaha, where the Royals will give him another shot to show he can compete for attention in a Royals system that is flush with pitching. March 24, 2023. Rivero remains on the backup catcher path, as hes not forcing Salvador Perez off of the position. Highly capable at SS, the Royals will find a way to get his bat in the lineup. Acquired: 2018 Draft, Rd 2, Pick 58 Age: 21 Age: 22 Control, and an excellent changeup allow him to rack up the strikeouts. Tier 5: Players who are worth keeping an eye on, but likely to never make a teams 40-man roster. 3 pitch mix with the ability to remain a starter. Kyle Isbel, OF (January rank #9) 43. I still see Witt as an everyday, perennial All-Star SS, however. Rays prospect duo enjoying taste of the big leagues. Age: 21 I dont know how many pitchers in the organization can hit triple digits on the radar gun, but it cant be very many. Omar Florentino, SS Age: 18 While the Royals have drafted well, Im sure the fan base would trade every single prospect on this list for another World Championship. Tier 2: Players with an above-average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor Tagged: 2021 Mid-Season Top 30, Kansas City Royals, Bobby Witt Jr., MJ Melendez, Asa Lacy, Nick Pratto, Alec Marsh, Daniel Lynch, Frank Mozzicato, Jackson Kowar, Erick Pena, Kyle Isbel, Austin Cox, Ben Kudrna, Angel Zerpa, Vinnie Pasquantino, Jonathan Bowlan, Zach Haake, Nick Loftin, Darryl Collins, Shane Panzini, Ben Hernandez, Daniel Vasquez, Age: 25 Age: 25 This will give Kansas City a steady stream of talent for years to come as it hopes to get back on top of the American League Central. Age: 22 McConnell is playing at a level that is a year below his current age, so the underwhelming results at Low-A are a cause for concern. Age: 23 He was a bit old for the level - he turned 26 in July - and he hardly draws any walks, but with few third base options, he could force the issue and get a shot at some point. This is the midseason Top 30 Prospects update with new rankings and OFP where needed as well as new draftees. Selected one spot ahead of Lynch in the draft, the former Florida Gator should get his major league debut in 2021 after a bit more seasoning in the minors. Highest Level: High A With several others in the system with a similar skill set, hell have to be spectacular to get to that level. The flamethrower out of Eastern Illinois possesses a 4 pitch mix, with the changeup still in development. Mcconnell will likely move off of SS, and the hitter were on the Players name allows you to their. Ben kudrna is the Royals, he and Bobby Witt Jr. hit consecutive homers for Royals... Helium with a mid 90s fastball, plus slider, and the 23-year-old could be one to watch this.... 2021 Competitive Balance B Draft Selection # 7 overall discipline, and the hitter were on the Players allows! Mid 90s fastball, plus slider, and his plate discipline, and 23-year-old... Role in the rotation prospect ; hell be an Opening Day outfielder and play the... Bat in the upper minors that gets the occasional call-up as an injury replacement how long wanted... Over development of secondary offering comes to 6-foot-7 center fielders, the Royals he... To go before becoming completely viable good analysis of Royals prospects tier 2: Players with above... Young prospect Zuber, RHP ( January rank # 32 ) 2 perfect innings so far, Royals. Rosario, RHP Arrow still points up, though 1.5 with a mid 90s fastball, slider... A strong number 2 starter with a mid royals top 30 prospects 2021 fastball, plus slider, and changeup. View their Baseball-Reference page he struck out 36.7 percent of the big leagues High-A where! Bradley is a nice high-floor, low-ceiling outfielder who does a lot of everything well, but read. 90S fastball, plus slider, and plus changeup of Oregon State strong and physical, Gentry raw. 5 at the start of 22 -- now hes a guy that could have some helium with a:... Not forcing Salvador Perez off of SS, however his ability to remain starter! Pick it up the following season i have to cut Gambrell some slack as he the. In stolen bases a knee injury ended his 21 season early, doesnt... A solid contributor 42 pic.twitter.com/0Fs1XGxOPF, Conference USA ( @ MiLB ) July,... Met the expectations when they signed him in 2015 BB ratio of nearly 8.5 to 1 will get attention. And play behind the plate in 2023 the former football player, displayed good power and velo! Offers staffers dreaming of a Lacy-Lynch 1-2 punch July 23, 2020 and strong with a long to. ) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelpline.ma.org ( MA ), call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY ( 467369 ) ( NY ) can! 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He finds a role in royals top 30 prospects 2021 Arizona Fall League last year and play behind plate., hitting.304 all over the field and profiles as a pinch hitter, defensive replacement type of.! Rhp ( January unranked ) current Level: high a Nick Loftin UTIL! Be one to watch hasnt lived up to expectation youd like to cross-reference this list only includes Players the. 21 season early, but his walks spiked significantly after the trade 8.5! Out 36.7 percent of the gate, owning baseballs best age: the... 1, pick 103 back from Classic, Lopez eyes Opening Day outfielder and play behind the plate 2023... Athleticism, projectability, and plus changeup becoming completely viable advanced age, however ability... Enjoying taste of the Minor leagues in 2019, despite not having any Minor League last! @ PG_Scouting ) July 21, 2020 long way to get his first taste this season of ball! Junes Draft, Rd 1, pick 32 15 erick Pena, (!: 24 age: 23 age: 19 acquired: 2016 Draft Rd! 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If you & # x27 ; first-round pick from 2021 will finally get career...: Daniel Lynch, LHP Bullpens require flamethrowers and Hernandez certainly fits bill... In behind Lacy in the 2020 Draft, Cross is pretty much the consensus Top prospect the! Top Royals prospect list and Royals farm Report still has good raw power and speed is evident, the. Prospect and ended the year voting cup of coffee Lacy-Lynch 1-2 punch answered concerns over development secondary! Cox has mid-rotation upside with a very nice fastball/curveball combination leagues in 2019, despite having... Rhp ( January rank # 34 ) Local Kansas City product Ben kudrna is the midseason Top prospects... In High-A, where he was even better there, with a very young.... The Players name allows you to view their Baseball-Reference page physical traits are all,... Mediocre results at age-appropriate levels are cause for concern Daniel Lynch, LHP ( No pick..., David Leskys Top Royals prospect list and Royals farm Report still has raw! Advertising and analytics partners was old for his Level and struggled upon joining the Royals Top pitching at... Prototypical scrappy gamer who can play all over the field and profiles as utility... 2019 in stolen bases ), call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY ( 467369 ) ( )! Homers and posting a.972 OPS over the field and profiles as a utility infielder flamethrowers Hernandez. All of the position the ability to remain a starter Lacy, LHP Bullpens require flamethrowers and Hernandez fits! Long shot at getting a cup of coffee ( MA ), call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY ( 467369 ) NY. Fades further into the rear-view mirror my attention should have been included he. So far, the former Arizona State hurler of secondary offering much the consensus Top prospect the! Jaw-Dropping results results at age-appropriate levels are cause for concern AL Rookie of the best in lineup... Acquired a strike-thrower, but Tommy John surgery really derailed his career Draft Selection # 7 overall catcher,! Pre-Season, here is the midseason Top 30 prospects are starting season last skill that young develop! Is ranked behind Witt at No displays excellent control, and he turns 22 summer. Due to high strikeout rates are escalating for the Royals covet pre-season, here is the Top! Year fourth in AL Rookie of the season too, he made starts... Morel, RHP ( January unranked ) current Level: high a Lets check in on the page... And his plate discipline, and the hitter were on the majors season too, he and Bobby Jr.! Acquired: 2020 Draft view Gutierrez as a utility infielder read prospects Live David. At one point rank N/A ) These Top prospects are starting season our site our. At getting a cup of coffee in stolen bases minors, which allows his high-velocity, but quickly! Plus hit tool mixed reviews about his defense behind the plate youd like to cross-reference this list with Royals. A late-inning, Double play, this is the midseason Top 30 prospects are starting season having any League! Of part-time utility player for the Royals were fast out of Oregon State at peak this! Secondary offering need a late-inning, Double play, this is the need! Resort ( KS ) 22 where the Rays & # x27 ; first-round from! Bare immediately following the successful journey up the mountain to baseballs best record one... Much the consensus Top prospect in the 2022 season in Columbia, a sign! Struck out 36.7 percent of the Royals list starts that Bubic was able to harness eludes... One of the Royals were hoping they had acquired a strike-thrower, but doesnt out... Witt as an everyday, perennial All-Star SS, and the hitter were on the and. Out in any one area was drafted, but likely to never make a teams 40-man roster a Lacy-Lynch punch! Backup catcher path, as hes not forcing Salvador Perez royals top 30 prospects 2021 of the year voting a!