Kansas City Royals Top 50 Prospects (2024)

The only thing to fear is fear itself, unless of course, you’re in the business of projecting an MLB prospect’s development trajectory. That’s peak horror show.” – Adam Halpin

Anyway you slice it, dice it, knead it, or sous vide it, the 2023 season was another rough one to be a Royals fan, player, and perhaps a John Sherman. Oh, who am I kidding? That ownership group isn’t paying for the new stadium! I must digress, as the parent club deserves its own article. Analyzing the Royals’ minor league season bears uneven results. Many top prospects didn’t progress, and some flatlined – my outlook for Beck Way’s growth once he reached the upper minors did not, um, materialize. But there were also some very promising performances, and reasons to be optimistic about the approach of the new development staff.

The organization received flack from multiple baseball media outlets regarding their amateur draft in July, pointing out the extreme risk of their Day 1 selections, notably their 1st and 2nd picks being a prep catcher and prep RHP, respectively. Given the deep pool of draft-eligible college talent last year, some of whom they selected in Days 2 and 3, it appears the risky Day 1 approach was a strategy, and not a fallback position. (@adamhalpin)

Seven Prospects1500 writers contributed to this column and rankings including Adam Halpin (@adamhalpin), Scott Greene (@Scotty_Ballgame), Tony Bps (@tonybps1), Greg Bracken (@gregbracken07), Adam Greene (@aj_greene1015), Clint Fasse (@ProspectLarceny), and Jeremy Mahy (@JMahyfam). The writer’s Twitter handle follows each player write-up or paragraph.

Prospects1500 Tiers:
Tier 1: Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years
Tier 2: Players with an above-average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 4: Players who have the potential to make the majors; possible sleeper candidates for sustained MLB success
Tier 5: Players of interest, worth keeping an eye on, who may make (or have made) the majors but provide minimal impact

J15 international signee Yandel Ricardo, SS (Cuba), would likely slot somewhere in the backend of Tier 4 (18-20 range). Look for him to potentially be included in our midseason updated rankings.
Levels listed for each player are the highest levels player reached in 2023

Tier 1

None

Tier 2

None

Tier 3

1. Blake Mitchell, C, 19, Rookie (ACL)
Kyle Teel was sitting right there, ripe for the taking. As the first catcher on every pre-draft ranking I saw, Teel had been very successful at UVA with a long track record of hitting – as close to a safe bet as anyone in the class. Yet, Kansas City selected whom they see as a true upside play – the riskiest demographic there is, of course, but clearly far too enticing to ignore. Mitchell’s a two-way prospect but will be deployed behind the dish in pro ball. He’s very athletic, with loads of power from the left side, but isn’t without hit tool questions. In a system not loaded with superstar upside, Mitchell is a rather easy #1 rank for me. Again, it’s risky, but Mitchell has an impressive high school resume both in Texas and nationally. His brief debut wasn’t notable, but this upside pick will likely take a bit longer to reach maturation than that college guy from Virginia. (@adamhalpin)

2. Cayden Wallace, 3B, 22, Double-A
Wallace had a solid season in High-A, slashing .261/.341/.431 (a 116 wRC+) in 428 PAs before earning a promotion in early August. Double-A was less successful for him, but he’s still young for the level, and will be given ample time to adjust to considerably better pitching. The defense has greatly improved, and with his excellent arm Wallace seems like a lock at the hot corner now. But in order to be an impact bat, or even someone who could be top-15 in the league at the position, he’ll have to hit for much more power. This could be a tall order in the home run-suppressing environment of Kauffman Stadium. (@adamhalpin)

3. Frank Mozzicato, LHP, 20, High-A
Before being promoted to high-A, the 20-year-old southpaw made twelve starts in Columbia last season. Despite the 14% walk rate, Mozzicato shoved. He had a 36.2% K rate and a 3.04 ERA (3.34 xFIP). His batting average against was .179. The walk rate and ERA ballooned in nine starts at Quad Cities, but the former the cold weather prep was always going to be a slow burn. I’m exercising optimism here, if a little frustration. The four-seamer hasn’t shown the velo bump I would have hoped, (sitting 89-91), so despite the ride he gets on it, his still below average command has only hampered a quicker development. The lack of physical growth signifies that a strength program has yet to be optimized. I’m choosing to focus on his athleticism and ability to spin it to help him reach his initial mid-rotation ceiling. For dynasty owners in deeper leagues, I would consider acquiring him after a couple starts if the velocity sits a tick or two higher in ’24. (@adamhalpin)

4. Nick Loftin, 3B/1B/2B, 25, MLB
The Royals had Loftin playing all over the diamond last season; he’s a do-it-all type player that can fill in wherever you need him. His versatility earned him a major league promotion too, and he continued his tendency to make contact and get on base for all 107 games he played last year. After appearing in the Arizona Fall League, Loftin has the tools to contribute regularly at the major league level as someone who can swipe a base, put the ball in play, and provide good defense at virtually any position. (@aj_greene1015)

5. Ben Kudrna, RHP, 20, High-A
Perhaps, we’ve been holding too fast to the 2021 draft evaluation, but Kudrna could very well leapfrog his draft buddy Mozzicato this year. Kudrna’s added strength and velocity which are promising indicators of his growth. He also has kept his walk rate consistently low. The main concern, however, is that despite the velo bump, the fastball isn’t missing enough bats. Kudrna was hit hard upon entry to High-A (11.6 H/9). He’ll have to keep throwing the heater up in the zone, but perhaps pitching backwards with his above average secondaries (slider and changeup) will reap more desired results. There’s plenty of time for the almost 21 year old to reach his #4 ceiling. (@adamhalpin)

6. Gavin Cross, OF, 22, Double-A
It was always going to be tough to follow the scorching hot debut Cross had to pro ball in 2022, so 2023 served as a year for Cross to get his feet under himself. It was a struggle at the plate and his chase rates were much higher than his collegiate days, but he still showed good power upon contact. Cross also features above average speed, which makes him a threat on the basepaths and will keep him in centerfield rather than moving to one of the corners. (@aj_greene1015)

7. Javier Vaz, OF/2B, 23, Double-A
The former 15th rounder from Vanderbilt has continued to hit at every level, ending his 2023 in Double-A. The 5’9 speedster might never have a season with double digit home runs, but this is a plus hit, plus run, and elite contact profile. He’s a very effective baserunner (90% success rate in ’23.). If Vaz is able to add strength and hit with more impact—focusing on line drives rather than fly balls—we could be looking at even higher batting averages. Vaz has spent most time oscillating between second base and left field, so a utility career is the most likely of outcomes. I wouldn’t put it past his talents to eclipse that projection. (@adamhalpin)

8. Ramon Ramirez, C, 18, Rookie (DSL)
What if I told you there’s another Royals teenage catcher to be excited about? This one is from Venezuela and signed in 2023 for only $57,500. Before laying waste to the DSL last summer, Ramon Ramirez was relatively unknown in stateside prospect circles. Here are some video game stats from the 17 year old over those 41 games: .344/.440/.614, eight HR, a 21:18 BB:K, and a 49% FB. The 90% EV numbers are elite for his age, and combined with the already advanced approach, the teenage catcher contingent has added a very promising talent. (@adamhalpin)

Tier 4

9. Tyler Gentry, OF, 24, Triple-A
10. Mason Barnett, RHP, 23, Double-A
11. Carter Jensen, C, 20, High-A
12. David Sandlin, RHP, 22, High-A
13. Austin Charles, 3B/SS, 20, Single-A
14. Blake Wolters, RHP, 19, High School
15. Chandler Champlain, RHP, 24, Double-A
16. Trevor Werner, 3B, 23, Single-A
17. Noah Cameron, LHP, 24, Double-A
18. Carson Roccaforte, OF, 21, Single-A
19. Jared Dickey, OF, 21, Single-A
20. Hunter Owen, LHP, 21, College

Gentry has good power, a solid OBP, and could be a low-end outfielder. Jensen is a high OBP, good power, low average catcher. Sandlin was pitching well but an injury stopped his season in July. Charles is a very raw, tall shortstop with some potential for power. Wolters throws hard and has solid command for a 19 year old and could be a mid-rotation type. Roccaforte has very little power but great speed and good awareness at the plate. Dickey is a solid hitter with moderate power or speed. Owen was a reliever turned starter in college then had injuries once he went into the rotation.

Tier 5

21. Anthony Veneziano, LHP, 26, MLB
22. John McMillon, RHP, 25, MLB
23. Peyton Wilson, 2B, 24, Double-A
24. River Town, OF, 24, Double-A
25. Luinder Avila, RHP, 22, High-A
26. Matt Sauer, RHP, 25, Double-A
27. Diego Hernandez, OF, 23, Double-A
28. Spencer Nivens, OF, 22, Single-A
29. Emmanuel Reyes, RHP, 19, Single-A
30. Henry Williams, RHP, 22, Single-A
31. Tyson Guerrero, LHP, 24, Double-A
32. Steven Zobac, RHP, 23, High-A
33. Will Klein, RHP, 24, Triple-A
34. Hiro Wyatt, RHP, 19, High School
35. Asbel Gonzalez, OF, 18, Rookie (DSL)
36. Devin Mann, 2B/3B, 26, Triple-A
37. Roni Cabrera, OF, 18, Rookie (DSL)
38. Erick Peña, OF, 20, Single-A
39. Daniel Vazquez, SS, 20, Single-A
40. Lizandro Rodriguez, 2B, 21, Single-A
41. Andrew Hoffmann, RHP, 23, Triple-A
42. Felix Arronde, RHP, 20, Single-A
43. Tucker Bradley, OF, 25, Triple-A
44. Cam Devanney, SS, 26, Triple-A
45. Oscar Rayo, LHP, 22, Single-A
46. Christian Chamberlain, LHP, 24, Triple-A
47. Erick Torres, OF, 19, Rookie (ACL)
48. Beck Way, RHP, 24, Double-A
49. Ryan Ramsey, LHP, 23, High-A
50. Jean Ramirez, OF, 23, High-A

Veneziano could make some spot starts this season for the big league team. McMillon could be a solid closer with his high-90’s velocity if he can improve his command. Wilson could be a utility type in the majors with his solid hitting ability and moderate speed. Avila’s results haven’t matched up to his tools but let’s see what he can do with another year of experience. Sauer was a Rule 5 pick from the Yankees this off-season and could get an opportunity in the bullpen where his stuff could play better. Hernandez has great speed but doesn’t hit enough yet to be a leadoff hitter. Williams has dealt with a few injuries but has the potential to be a 4th starter once he gets more innings under his belt. Guerrero and Zobac were two way players in college but both have started for the Royals and put up some solid numbers in High-A before struggling in Double-A. Gonzalez put up some good numbers as a 17 year old in his first year of Rookie ball. Cabrera can hit and the hope is that, as he matures, can develop some power. Peña was one of the more hyped prospects in the 2019 signing period but has not done well offensively at all. Rodriguez has some solid tools but nothing above-average to help your dynasty team. Bradley has a good eye at the plate and shown moderate power and speed in the past. Torres hits well and has some good speed. Way’s command has been going the wrong way as he’s moving up the levels. Ramsey has high strikeout ratios but his command is a work in progress. Ramirez can get on base and has great speed

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Adam Halpin

Adam Greene

Adam Greene is a student UMass Amherst's Isenberg School of Management. He currently writes for the Cape Cod Baseball League and UMass Athletics. From Longmeadow, MA, Adam is a huge Red Sox fan and has been following the team his whole life and he's spent the last few years covering their farm system. Follow him on Twitter at @aj_greene1015 and Instagram at the same handle.

Scott Greene

President of Prospects1500. Founder of Diamond Duos dynasty fantasy baseball leagues and the MLB Fantasy Playoffs Parlay. Participant and champion in several dynasty/fantasy baseball and football leagues. Sales Manager for Reminder Publishing by day. Huge Bruce Springsteen and pro wrestling fan. Along with his wife and two boys, lives in Longmeadow, MA. Follow on Twitter at @Scotty_Ballgame.

Tony Bps

Tony Bps Spina is a lifelong baseball fan hailing from the City of Brotherly Love - Philadelphia! Tony has loved baseball since 1980 and has followed the Phillies through good and bad times. Tony is married with 3 kids and works for a financial institution but has enough free time to play in 20 fantasy baseball leagues with 75% of them being Dynasty Leagues. He lives a few blocks away from Citizens Bank Park and attends many Phillies games per year in addition to their minor league teams in Lehigh Valley and Reading. He can be reached on Twitter at @TonyBps1.

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  January 24, 2024

  Kansas City Royals Top 50 Prospects (2024)