After seeing top prospect Bobby Witt Jr. graduate from prospect status in 2022, the Royals system looks very different at the top. The team added a pair of impact bats in the draft and saw encouraging seasons from a trio of pitching prospects.
Today, we unveil the 10 best prospects in Kansas City’s system as it enters 2023.
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Here’s how we project their lineup in 2026, with their 2026 ages in parentheses.
PROJECTED 2026 LINEUP
Catcher: MJ Melendez (27)
First Base: Nick Pratto (27)
Second Base: Michael Massey (28)
Third Base: Cayden Wallace (25)
Shortstop: Bobby Witt Jr. (26)
Left Field: Drew Waters (27)
Center Field: Kyle Isbel (29)
Right Field: Gavin Cross (25)
Designated Hitter: Vinnie Pasquantino (28)
No. 1 Starter: Brady Singer (29)
No. 2 Starter: Daniel Lynch (29)
No. 3 Starter: Kris Bubic (28)
No. 4 Starter: Ben Kudrna (23)
No. 5 Starter: Jon Heasley (29)
Closer: Dylan Coleman (29)
Listed below are the prospects with the best tools within the organization. To go directly to Kansas City’s Top 10, click here.
BEST TOOLS
Best Hitter for Average: Tyler Gentry
Best Power Hitter: Gavin Cross
Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Carter Jensen
Fastest Baserunner: Tyler Tolbert
Best Athlete: Drew Waters
Best Fastball: Will Klein
Best Curveball: Frank Mozzicato
Best Slider: Beck Way
Best Changeup: Ben Kudrna
Best Control: Noah Cameron
Best Defensive Catcher: Luca Tresh
Best Defensive Infielder: Michael Garcia
Best Infield Arm: Cayden Wallace
Best Defensive Outfielder: Diego Hernandez
Best Outfield Arm: Peyton Wilson
Kansas City Royals 2022 MLB Draft Report Card
Revisiting the Royals 2022 MLB draft class after the conclusion of the minor league season.