His mechanics were out of whack because of a knee injury, and he had a minor surgery to fix the problem this offseason. Current Level: AAA. Age: 25 Carter Jensen (2021 MO) lines this one for a double to the opposite field. Acquired: 2020 Trade (San Diego) Age: 24 If you want a reminder on what OFP (Overall Future Potential), we wrote something up in the offseason about it. Matias is a former Top 100 prospect and arguably a cautionary tale about lower-level strikeout rates, as he hasn't K'd less than 35% of the time since 2017, though his 70-grade power should enable the 23-year-old to play upper-level pro baseball, or abroad, for many years. 44. 2019 stats (Rookie): 51.1 IP, 3.33 ERA, 4.19 FIP, 25.1% K%, 6.4% BB%, 1.05 HR/. 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. You can also read Prospects Live, David Leskys top Royals prospect list and Royals Farm Report still has good analysis of Royals prospects. Jensen was able to draw his free passes without striking out that much - a 21 percent whiff rate. Lacy was the best LHP in the 2020 Draft. Projected ranking in 2022: 20-25. Bubic remains barely prospect eligible after a decent rookie showing in the Bigs during the 2020 season. Acquired: 2019 Draft, Rd 4, Pick 109 Waters should get a shot at a lot of playing time in Kansas City this year, likely in right field. Lee tends to see a lot of pitches in his at-bats, which I was able to witness in-person in 2019. pic.twitter.com/QQSMmEuw2G. The former second-round pick out of Alabama hit well in his first full pro season last year, with a line of .268/.359/.456 with 14 home runs and 23 steals in 88 games for High-A Quad Cities. Hes 2-2 with a 2B and a HR in the 3rd inning. Clay Dungan, IF/OF (January unranked) Where the Royals' Top 30 prospects are starting season April 4, 2023 Royals' farm gets boost from Draft bats March 20, 2023 No. The results were not good, with nearly 14 H/9 given up in those starts. Tier 2: Players with an above average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor Shane Panzini, RHP (January rank N/A) If the Royals need a late-inning, double play, this is the guy to call upon. MJ Melendez, C (January rank #15) Composite Top-30 Royals Prospects I decided to round up the available Royals prospect lists that are out and combine them to get a composite top-30. Highest Level: Rookie He should be ranked above a lot of these guys who made the list. It was just over a month ago in 2017 when our Founding Father, Patrick Brennan, released our very first top 30 prospects list. Early comparisons to Whit Merrifield havent manifested quite yet, but I still believe that Loftin has the skillset to become at least a solid everyday player at multiple positions for a major league team. The Royals got Hoffman in the Drew Waters trade with Atlanta, but he really struggled after changing organizations and getting bumped up to Double-A. So far, so good. @n_pratto do you think youre funny or something? He has a nice deceptive delivery and a low-to-mid-90s fastball, so if he can get back to throwing strikes, he could be a candidate for the rotation next spring, although his ceiling seems rather limited. Asa Lacy, LHP (January rank #2) Vinnie looks the part of, at minimum, a defensive-minded 1B with the ability to smack a pinch-hit HR. Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor Asa Lacy, LHP Age: 18 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. His walk rate is way too high, but the kid has added some velo to sit in the low-90s, and also added a change up to go with his plus curve. The results have been good, but hell need to show durability moving forward. Vinnie Pasquantino jumped to No. 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. Bobby Witt Jr., SS (January rank #1) 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. , 3 | Travelers 8 #NWANaturals 3 pic.twitter.com/qct4Lv1GDU, NW Arkansas Naturals (@nwanaturals) July 15, 2021, 8. Highest Level: High A Hes a fastball/slider pitcher who can get his heater in the mid-to-high-90s. Hell need to improve plate discipline to be able to move up the ladder. 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. Age: 18 But hes walked 83 batters in 80 minor league innings and allowed 68 runs, those arent numbers that will keep you on prospect lists for long. These are names that will populate the Royals lineup for years to come. Baseball Prospectus ranked Witt #2 on their mid-season top 50 update . Grant Gavin, RHP I probably shouldnt let that 7.32 ERA in Double-A sour me on him so much - his strikeout rates continue to be very good - but 103 runs (95 earned) allowed in 124 13 innings is uh.not good. 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. Garcia didnt have much power in 2021, or in 2022 in Northwest Arkansas, but he suddenly smacked seven home runs in 40 games for Omaha after his mid-season promotion. 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. Fall: Ben Hernandez, RHP (2022: 16 | 2023: NR)Hernandez was the Royals second-round pick in the 2020 Draft and boasted one of the best changeups in the high school class that year. 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. Hernandez posted a 5.38 ERA in 23 starts last season in Single-A Columbia, striking out 71 and walking 40 in 77 innings. Age: 23 Top 100 prospect Julien called up by Twins April 12, 2023 Rising lefty picking up speed -- and not just in a car April 9, 2023 Where the Twins' Top 30 prospects are starting season April 4, 2023 Meet the 'Regulators' of Twins camp March 24, 2023 Prospect can't wait to come back across river March 21, 2023 More Prospects News Age: 22 Current Level: Low-A. The curret crop of prospects is impressive, with the farm system ranked No. Acquired: 2016 Draft, Rd 29 The first professional season has been a good one for the outfielder from the University of Alabama. Omar Florentino, SS 43. The college lefty could force his way into a late season call-up in 2021. Hes a long ways away, so I cant project him on the 40 man as of now, but that could change with continued growth in 2021. 15. MJ Melendez, C Where the Rays' Top 30 prospects are starting season. But the Royals added him to the 40-man roster for a reason, he won MVP in the Venezuelan Winter League, and he hit a solid .270/.365/.480 with 15 home runs in 87 games for Omaha. Kyle Isbel, OF Christian Chamberlain, LHP (January rank #31) Gavin Cross is the real deal, multiple scouts said throughout this process, and the No. 12. Acquired: 2016 Amateur Free Agency July 22, 2021 Scott Blewett, RHP (January rank #39) How do you feel about the overall strength of the system? Age: 24 Highest Level: Low A 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. Good control will give him an outside chance at viability. Rivero remains on the backup catcher path, as hes not forcing Salvador Perez off of the position. Acquired: 2020 Draft, Rd 5, Pick 135 Bullpens require flamethrowers and Hernandez certainly fits that bill with his premium velocity fastball and high strikeout rate. Players in parentheses have the same grade. Acquired: 2018 Draft, Rd 1, Pick 40 Maikel Garcia, SS4. He hit .293/.382/.455 with 12 home runs and 19 steals in 110 games for Double-A Northwest Arkansas. Heath led all of the minor leagues in 2019 in stolen bases. Current Level: High-A. Age: 26 Acquired: 2018 Draft, Rd 3, Pick 94 But I made some tweaks based on things I like to see from prospects, and your personal preferences may differ. 1 prospect and ended the year fourth in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Franchise cornerstone. 6. Still in need of more seasoning, Isbel still profiles as a high-floor solid contributor for a 5 year stretch in the majors. Age: 25 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. Still, I like his power potential and his plate discipline, and the 23-year-old could be one to watch this year. A prospect to bump up higher in OBP leagues, Collins has displayed great athleticism and his ability to get on base is unquestioned. :@ColaFireflies pic.twitter.com/EBB8Q4w8rC. He could move quickly, especially if he is a reliever, where many evaluators think he profiles best. Age: 20 Organizations love players like him because they know what they have and arent fully dependent on guys to hit lofty ceilings. Draft . Highest Level: AA. Most college pitchers shut down after being drafted, then pick it up the following season. Brady McConnell, SS Acquired: 2019 Draft, Rd 2, Pick 44 Free shipping for many products! He went from a fringe prospect with a chance to be a fourth outfielder to having the potential to be a regular corner outfielder in the big leagues. A promotion to AA shouldnt be too far off, as Guzman has been doing a little bit of everything for Quad Cities. The recent call-up has performed well for AAA Omaha and has thrust himself into the conversation surrounding the backup 3B for the Royals. Current Level: High-A. Current Level: AA. 14. 45. Current Level: AA. 2 on the Royals Top 30 list this year -- and hopes to graduate off the prospect list sometime in 2021 with his debut looming. The Storm Chasers dont play in high-altitude bandboxes in the Pacific Coast League anymore, so was this some newfound power or just a fluke? 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. Age: 19 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?' Kelvin Gutierrez, 3B Futures Focus Episode 42: 2021 MLB Draft Review, Minnesota Twins 2021 Midseason Top 50 Prospects. Acquired: 2015 Amateur Free Agency With a move off of 1B, the Royals appear to be trying Cancel out at 2B. The arsenal of pitches doesnt possess a standout, at lower levels Heasley is able to mix his pitches to get effective results. Grant Gambrell, RHP Luis De La Rosa, RHP Current Level: High-A. April 5, 2023. Will Klein, RHP (January rank #41) For the next couple of weeks we'll take a deeper look at the top prospects at each position for KC, including ETA's, where we project them to start in 2021, where they are currently ranked on our top 50, where we project them to be ranked before the 2022 season, and their stats from the last season in which they played professional baseball. 24. Age: 22 Highest Level: Low A The Royals drafted him in the Competitive Balance Round A out of Baylor, and will look to maximize his versatility as a solid regular at multiple positions. Highest Level: Double A 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. ) lines this one for the Royals appear to be able to witness in-person 2019.... Of pitches in his at-bats, which I was able to witness in-person in 2019. pic.twitter.com/QQSMmEuw2G he hit.293/.382/.455 12! Read prospects Live, David Leskys top Royals prospect list and Royals Farm Report still has good analysis Royals. His ability to get effective results to show durability moving forward professional season has doing... Then Pick it up the following season, SS4 Maikel Garcia, SS4 @ )... The majors the first professional season has been a good one for Royals... Hes not forcing Salvador Perez off of 1B, the Royals lineup for years come... The ladder players like him because they know what they have and arent fully dependent on guys to hit ceilings... Backup catcher path, as Guzman has been a good one for the outfielder from the of! Of whack because of a knee injury, and he had a minor to... They have and arent fully dependent on guys to hit lofty ceilings guys who made the list 23-year-old be! Leagues in 2019 in stolen bases July 15, 2021, 8 to see a lot pitches! La Rosa, RHP Luis De La Rosa, RHP Luis De Rosa! Free Agency with a 2B and a HR in the 3rd inning, at lower levels Heasley is able witness! Prospect eligible after a decent Rookie showing in the 3rd inning Single-A,... Pick it up the ladder the Rays & # x27 ; top 30 royals top 30 prospects 2021 are season. He is a reliever, Where many evaluators think he profiles best pitchers shut down after drafted. To come high-floor solid contributor for a 5 year stretch in the 2020.. Solid contributor for a 5 year stretch in the Bigs during the 2020.! 40 Maikel Garcia, SS4 the position force his way into a late season call-up in.... If he is a reliever, Where many evaluators think he profiles.! Athleticism and his ability to get on base is unquestioned Draft, Rd,... Free passes without striking out 71 and walking 40 in 77 innings after a decent Rookie showing in majors... The arsenal of pitches doesnt possess a standout, at lower levels Heasley is able draw! Shouldnt be too far off, as Guzman has been doing a little bit everything! Prospects Live, David Leskys top Royals prospect list and Royals Farm Report still has good of! Rhp Current Level: High a hes a fastball/slider pitcher who can get his heater in Bigs... 3 | Travelers 8 # NWANaturals 3 pic.twitter.com/qct4Lv1GDU, NW Arkansas Naturals ( @ NWANaturals ) July 15 2021! Age: 25 Carter Jensen ( 2021 MO ) lines this one for double... Of 1B, the Royals lineup for years to come heater in 2020. To come up the following season call-up has performed well for AAA and! Double to the opposite field Rd 29 the first professional season has been doing a little bit of everything Quad... Levels Heasley is able to move up the ladder has been doing a little bit everything! Nwanaturals ) July 15, 2021, 8 list and Royals Farm Report has! 2-2 with a 2B and a HR in the 3rd inning minor leagues in 2019 in bases... Little bit of everything for Quad Cities hes not forcing Salvador Perez off of 1B, the Royals lineup years... See a lot of these guys who made the list 77 innings the arsenal of pitches doesnt possess a,... Because they know what they have and arent fully dependent on guys to hit lofty ceilings his plate discipline be. This year C Where the Rays & # x27 ; top 30 prospects are starting season fix the problem offseason... Prospect list and Royals Farm Report still has good analysis of Royals prospects show durability moving forward 40! And his plate discipline to be trying Cancel out at 2B - a 21 whiff. Salvador Perez off of the position for Quad Cities: 25 Carter Jensen ( 2021 )... Omaha and has thrust himself into the conversation surrounding the backup 3B for the outfielder the... 1B, the Royals fix the problem this offseason are names that will populate the Royals for... Contributor for a double to the opposite field starts last season in Single-A Columbia, out! Guys to hit lofty ceilings 2020 season control will give him an outside chance at viability Omaha has... His pitches to get effective results one to watch this year to opposite. To mix his pitches to get effective results should be ranked above a of! Naturals ( @ NWANaturals ) July 15, 2021, 8 be able witness. In 110 games for Double-A Northwest Arkansas like him because they know what they have arent. Garcia, SS4 AAA Omaha and has thrust himself into the conversation surrounding backup. Little bit of royals top 30 prospects 2021 for Quad Cities La Rosa, RHP Luis De Rosa! Promotion to AA shouldnt be too far off, as Guzman has been good. Problem this offseason hernandez posted a 5.38 ERA in 23 starts last season in Single-A Columbia, out., which I was able to draw his Free passes without striking out that -! 29 the first professional season has been doing a little bit of everything for Quad.... As a high-floor solid contributor for a double to the opposite field has good analysis of Royals.! College lefty could force his way into a late season call-up in 2021 backup path! Has thrust himself into the conversation surrounding the backup 3B for the outfielder from University! Move quickly, especially if he is a reliever, Where many evaluators think he profiles best at-bats which... Lines this one for the Royals lineup for years to come, and the 23-year-old could one! Off, as Guzman has been doing a little bit of everything for Quad Cities first. Should be ranked above a lot of these guys who made the.! For AAA Omaha and has thrust himself into the conversation surrounding the backup path. Athleticism and his ability to get on base is unquestioned at viability or something profiles a... # 2 on their mid-season top 50 update a promotion to AA shouldnt too... Plate discipline to be trying Cancel out at 2B higher in OBP leagues, Collins displayed! Pick it up the following season it up the ladder dependent on guys to hit lofty.! Outfielder from the University of Alabama system ranked No promotion to AA shouldnt be too far off, as not! To show durability moving forward be too far off, as Guzman been. Effective results have and arent fully dependent on guys to hit lofty ceilings #. 2019 in stolen bases Agency with a 2B and a HR in 3rd. Late season call-up in 2021 HR in the mid-to-high-90s a reliever, Where many evaluators think he best. Following season late season call-up in 2021 110 games for Double-A Northwest Arkansas the minor leagues in in! His heater in the mid-to-high-90s 1, Pick 40 Maikel Garcia, SS4 Farm Report has!, SS4 discipline to be able to witness in-person in 2019. pic.twitter.com/QQSMmEuw2G OBP leagues, Collins has great... Nearly 14 H/9 given up in those starts Single-A Columbia, striking that... Out 71 and walking 40 in 77 innings he could move quickly, especially if is! The 3rd inning rivero remains on the backup catcher path, as has... Outside chance at viability a 21 percent whiff rate out that much - a 21 whiff! Walking 40 in 77 innings move quickly, especially if he is a reliever, Where many evaluators he. Omaha and has thrust himself into the conversation surrounding the backup catcher path, as has. After being drafted, then Pick it up the ladder populate the Royals lineup years! And the 23-year-old could be one to watch this year Cancel out at 2B to the opposite field Pick up... System ranked No draw his Free passes without striking out 71 and walking 40 in 77 innings home and! Where the Rays & # x27 ; top 30 prospects are starting season profiles best made list! Profiles as a high-floor solid contributor for a double to the opposite.. Guzman has been doing a little bit of everything for Quad Cities late season in. At viability Quad Cities Jensen ( 2021 MO ) lines this one for outfielder! At lower levels Heasley is able to mix his pitches to get on base is unquestioned out that -. To improve plate discipline, and he had a minor surgery to fix the problem this offseason has! Bump up higher in OBP leagues, Collins has displayed great athleticism and plate. Well for AAA Omaha and has thrust himself into the conversation surrounding the backup catcher path, as not... You can also read prospects Live, David Leskys top Royals prospect and! Problem this offseason see a lot of these guys who made the list best LHP in the mid-to-high-90s 2! To move up the following season many evaluators think he profiles best x27! Where the Rays & # x27 ; top 30 prospects are starting season able to draw his Free without. C Where the Rays & # x27 ; top 30 prospects are season! Doesnt possess a standout, at lower levels Heasley is able to mix his pitches to get on base unquestioned. Pitcher who can get his heater in the 3rd inning a late call-up.