Since winning the World Series in 2015, the Kansas City Royals have struggled to compete in the AL Central, finishing at least third. This has led to the Royals being at the top of the MLB draft throughout the years, attempting to add top-end prospects. Currently, the Royals are one of two teams in the MLB to not hold a top 100 prospect (Houston is the other after trading their top prospect at the deadline to the Mets). Even with this being said, the Royals have prospects that will be able to contribute to the big-league roster eventually.
Who Are the Royals’ Top Prospects?
LHP Frank Mozzicato
A 2021 first-round pick by the Royals out of high school in Connecticut, Mozzicato has been looked at as a pitcher who could make a move from being a starter to a bullpen arm due to the fastball/curveball combination he possesses. His fastball has sat between 90-92 miles per hour, while his curveball has been seen as an above-average pitch that is his go-to in his minor league career. Along with these two pitches, Mozzicato is working on developing a changeup, a top priority.
But even with the above-average curveball, Mozzicato has struggled with batters being able to barrel up on his pitches too often, and his strength is also a priority for him to be able to work on his command and control of his pitches. This season he has struggled, posting a 2-8 record with an earned run average of 5.11 and walking 52 batters in the process.
At this point, Mozzicato is still viewed as a potentially high-ceiling pitcher, but his development will be observed, and he will most likely not be rushed moving up the ranks of the minor leagues.
OF Gavin Cross
Another high first-round pick by the Royals, this time in 2022 9th overall, Cross is a left-handed hitting outfielder with the knack to elevate the baseball at the plate. His open stance at the plate has helped him in doing this. This has led people to believe that Cross could be a potential above-average power hitter. So far this season in High-A, he has hit 12 home runs, proving he has the power potential.
Downfalls to the offensive side of his game include his strikeout rate being higher than hoped for, having struck out 146 times in only 123 games played over a year-plus of minor league baseball. His patience and eye at the plate will need to drastically improve for him to be able to hit for more contact and raise his batting average, which also sits at .231 over the 123 games he’s played.
Defensively, Cross has above-average speed and is projected to be a corner outfielder throughout his professional career. To make advancements through the minor league ranks, he will need to continue to work on his offensive game if he wants to make it to the major leagues and impact the Royals lineup in the coming years.
C Blake Mitchell
The most recent Royals first-round pick this year, Mitchell is seen as the top-catching prospect.
At the plate, Mitchell possesses the strength, bat speed, and patience to eventually be more of a power hitter. Being viewed as above average. His patience at the plate allows him to work deep into counts and pick his pitches to swing at.
Defensively, he is viewed as an average catcher. However, he could move from behind the plate to a corner outfield spot at some point.
Mitchell has appeared in 5 games in rookie ball games. Showing off the patience people rave about, drawing six walks in those five games.
RHP Ben Kudrna
After being drafted by the Royals in 2021, Kudrna appeared in a professional game in May 2022 in Single-A. Being 6-3, he possesses good strength and can throw his fastball and attack hitters with a pitch between 93-95 miles per hour. Also, adding changeup to his arsenal. He is working on improving his slider. If he can do so, he will have three above-average pitches to throw.
So far this season, Kudrna has already surpassed his strikeout total from last season (87 to 61 in 2021-22). However, he has had problems with giving up the long ball (10 home runs given up this season).
Kudrna is another prospect that many feel the Royals will not rush through the minor leagues.
3B Caden Wallace
Wallace’s most significant key to his continuing through the minors is his approach and decision-making at the plate. It’s something he has struggled with so far. Having 117 strikeouts compared to 57 walks in 127 games in the minors.
Even with those numbers not, Wallace has a compact swing that can barrel up on the ball. Which contributed to the ten home runs he has hit this season.
Defensively at third base, he has a strong arm that should keep him at the hot corner. If Wallace can improve his downfalls on the offensive side of his game, he should move up.
Overall, the Kansas City Royals farm system is not something to write home about. Still, they are hoping some of their guys can continue their development. Helping turn a struggling team around in the near future.
Main Photo Credits: The Corpus Christi Caller Times
Players Mentioned: Frank Mozzicato, Gavin Cross. Blake Mitchell, Ben Kudrna, Cayden Wallace
