This article is part of a series focusing on each MLB team’s Top 20 prospects for fantasy baseball heading into the 2026 season. Stay tuned for prospect breakdowns for all 30 teams throughout January here at Pitcher List, and be sure to check out all our published pieces in the series here.
Top Kansas City Royals Prospects
The Top Tier
1) Carter Jensen, 22 Y/O, C
MiLB Stats (2025): .290 AVG | .377 OBP | .501 SLG | 20 HR | 10 SB | 24.8% K% | 12.2% BB%
Carter Jensen looks poised to claim Kansas City’s future behind the plate, bringing a blend of patience and power that fantasy managers covet. After a slow April, he caught fire in 2025 and earned a September call-up, showcasing an advanced feel for the barrel and strike-zone discipline beyond his years. Jensen’s carrying tools are his plus raw power (he maxed out at 115 mph exit velocity in 2025) and a polished batting eye; he rarely chases and posts double-digit walk rates. That combination fueled a strong minor league slash line and a brief but impressive MLB debut.
In fantasy terms, Jensen projects as an everyday catcher with middle-of-the-order offensive upside. He has solid defensive chops and a cannon arm (nearly a double-plus arm) that should keep him in the lineup regularly. The risk here is mild; he’s already reached the majors at 22, and his skill set is well-rounded, but as a catcher, there’s always some variance in development. The nearest path to MLB is essentially a done deal: Jensen is expected to break camp with the Royals in 2026 as Salvador Perez’s understudy and quickly take over primary duties. Long-term ceiling slightly outweighs proximity in his case; he could be a top-10 fantasy catcher with 25+ homer pop in a couple of years if all goes well.
2) Blake Mitchell, 21 Y/O, C
MiLB Stats (2025): .207 AVG | .372 OBP | .296 SLG | 2 HR | 9 SB | 32.9% K% | 20.8% BB%
A two-time Texas High School Player of the Year, Blake Mitchell entered pro ball as an athletic backstop with intriguing power, but his pro debut has been a rollercoaster. He struggled after the 2023 draft, then rebounded with a strong Low-A showing in 2024, only to have his 2025 season derailed by a wrist/hand injury. When healthy, Mitchell flashes carrying tools of plus raw power and a plus-plus arm behind the plate. He threw out 31% of base stealers in 2025 and has pop times in the 1.85-1.95 range. His patience at the plate is notable (walked more than 20% of the time), but swing-and-miss issues are a concern (career .223 MiLB average).
Mitchell’s likely role is an offense-first catcher who can chip in a bit of speed, a rarity at the position (he’s an excellent athlete and even stole 12 bases when healthy in 2025). However, the risk is high: the hit tool is lagging (holes in his swing led to a spike in strikeouts when he returned from injury), and injuries have stalled his momentum. Dynasty managers should be patient and consider him more of a high-upside lottery ticket than a sure thing. Mitchell’s nearest path to MLB is as a bat-first catcher, but he’ll need a fully healthy 2026, likely repeating High-A Quad Cities, to refine his contact and tap into his power consistently. The long-term ceiling (everyday catcher with 20+ HR and double-digit steals) gives him a slight edge over proximity in fantasy value, but it may be 2028 before he’s pushing for a big-league job.
3) David Shields, 19 Y/O, LHP
MiLB Stats (2025): 71.2 IP | 2.01 ERA | 28.3% K% | 5.2% BB%
David Shields burst onto the scene in 2025 with a dominant full-season debut, affirming the Royals’ aggressive second-round pick of the Pennsylvania prep lefty. In Low-A Columbia, Shields was Pitcher of the Year, posting a sparkling 2.01 ERA over 71.2 innings with a 28.3% strikeout rate and 5.2% walk rate. His carrying tool is polished command well beyond his years; he fills up the zone with a lively low-90s fastball and locates a sweeping slider to both sides of the plate. Shields doesn’t overpower with pure velocity (he tops out 94 mph currently), but his fastball has above-average life, and his two breaking balls (slider and curve) both project above-average, giving him a mature arsenal for 19.
The profile points to a likely role as a mid-rotation starter, a potential No. 3/4 who logs efficient innings rather than a high-strikeout ace. Shields’ advanced control and feel for pitching make him a relatively low-risk arm for a teenager (BA even graded his risk as “Average,” unusual for a prep pitcher). Of course, there’s still variability as he faces higher levels and works to add a bit more velocity or refine the changeup. For dynasty purposes, Shields might not rack up gaudy strikeout totals, but his contributions in ERA and WHIP could be valuable. The nearest path to MLB will be through steady level-by-level progression; he should spend most of 2026 in High-A and reach Double-A by age 20. His long-term ceiling isn’t as flashy as some fireballers, but a polished lefty who could be MLB-ready by 2027 with strong ratios is a fantasy asset worth monitoring.
4) Kendry Chourio, 18 Y/O, RHP
MiLB Stats (2025): 51.0 IP | 3.51 ERA | 29.7% K% | 2.0% BB%
A few prospects raised their stock in 2025, like Kendry Chourio. The Venezuelan right-hander went from a January international signing to pitching across three levels in his debut season, an almost unheard-of jump for a 17-year-old. Chourio’s fastball now sits mid-90s and touches 97 with excellent ride and run, especially up in the zone. Pair that with a sharp, high-spin curveball and a fading changeup that already flashes plus, and you have a precocious arsenal. His carrying tool might actually be his uncanny composure and control; he walked only around 2% of batters in 51 innings, showing a level of command that belies his age. He struck out nearly 30% of hitters and held a combined 3.51 ERA, even dominating in Single-A playoff starts as one of the youngest players at that level.
Chourio’s likely role is trending toward that of a mid-rotation (or better) starter. Royals officials dream of a future No. 2/3 starter given his poise and three-pitch mix. The risk factor is very high: he’s still only 18 and has lots of physical maturation ahead. There’s always danger in projecting a teenager this far out (especially a pitcher), but Chourio’s combination of stuff and command sets a high floor of at least a back-end starter if healthy. For fantasy managers, he offers an enticing long-term ceiling (think a Luis Castillo-lite profile) but will require patience. The Royals were aggressive with him, so the nearest path to MLB could be relatively quick; a Double-A look before he turns 19 isn’t out of the question. Still, even on a fast track, he’s unlikely to debut until 2027 or 2028. Chourio is a prospect for rebuilding dynasty teams to stash, knowing the payoff could be substantial down the road.
5) Josh Hammond, 19 Y/O, 3B
MiLB Stats: no pro data yet (2025 draftee)
A two-way standout in high school, Josh Hammond brings massive raw power to the Royals system, and they plan to deploy it at the plate. Hammond was drafted 28th overall in 2025 thanks to his prodigious bat and arm strength (up to 99 mph as a pitcher). At 6’1” and 210 lbs, he has an offensive carrying tool reminiscent of an Austin Riley-type: the ability to scorch balls to all fields with a big lofted swing that generates easy backspin and plus power. Hammond’s right-handed swing can get long and “sweepy,” and he has a bit of drift in his lower half, but so far it hasn’t hampered his contact vs. prep competition. The Royals love his competitive makeup (son of a long-time coach) and project him as a middle-of-the-order bat.
For fantasy, Hammond’s profile is all about the long-term ceiling. If it clicks, he could be a power-hitting corner infielder who pops 30 homers in his prime. There’s a significant risk, as with any teen power hitter, that the hit tool is still developing, and he’ll be facing pro pitching for the first time in 2026. He’s also likely moving off shortstop to a likely role as a third baseman, where his plus arm will play, and his footwork should be adequate. Hammond will begin his pro career in Low-A in 2026, so his nearest path to MLB is a few years out. Dynasty managers in deeper leagues should take note now, though. Hammond’s combination of bat speed, strength, and athleticism could make him an impact fantasy contributor around 2028 if he develops as hoped, offering home run and RBI upside in standard 5×5 formats.
Prospects Dynasty Managers Should Know
6) Ramon Ramirez, 20 Y/O, C
MiLB Stats (2025): .249 AVG | .335 OBP | .445 SLG | 12 HR | 5 SB | 20.5% K% | 10.9% BB%
Ramon Ramirez is a name to remember in KC’s system, a bat-first catcher who might end up finding playing time at multiple spots. In 2025 at Low-A Columbia, Ramirez slashed .249/.335/.445 with 12 homers over 331 plate appearances. His carrying tools are raw power and on-base ability. Ramirez generates impressive exit velocities for his age (90th percentile EV ~105 mph, max 111) and isn’t shy about lifting the ball, which led to plenty of extra-base hits when he connected. He also showed a patient approach, with an OBP about 85 points above his average, though his strikeout rate was manageable rather than elite. For fantasy purposes, Ramirez’s likely role is a bit of a moving target. If he can stick at catcher, his power and plate discipline profile could make him a valuable offensive catcher (think 20+ home run potential).
However, there are risk factors: his defense is questionable, and the Royals are experimenting with him at first base or DH as well. A move out from behind the plate might expedite his bat, but would raise the offensive bar he must clear to have MLB value. Either way, Ramirez is a high-variance prospect, and he could be a future middle-order bat or could stall out if the hit tool doesn’t quite keep up. The nearest path to MLB likely involves improving his catching enough to remain playable there (increasing his odds of a call-up as a bat). 2026 will be about refinement in High-A. He’s a buy-low in deep dynasty leagues given the power/OBP combo, but temper expectations on timeline (ETA probably 2027) and be ready to adjust if he ends up ticketed for a 1B/DH role.
7) Sean Gamble, 19 Y/O, OF/2B
MiLB Stats: no pro data yet (2025 draftee)
Sean Gamble is the type of multi-tooled prep athlete the Royals have been stockpiling. Drafted 23rd overall in 2025, Gamble is a plus runner (he’s been clocked at a 6.5-second 60-yard dash range) with a smooth left-handed swing and surprising pop for his 6’1” frame. His carrying tool is that athleticism, as he’s a potential power-speed threat if the hitting skills come along. At IMG Academy, he played mostly second base, but with his speed and solid arm, he could be deployed in center field or as a super-utility type as a pro. Gamble’s swing is simple with a small leg kick, allowing his quick hands to generate good bat speed and liners to all fields. The main question is the hit tool: he’s shown swing-and-miss tendencies at times, though reports indicate he made strides in making more consistent contact over the past year.
For dynasty GMs, Gamble is a high-upside speculative asset. His likely role if things break right could be a top-of-the-order catalyst who contributes across all five categories: envision a .270 hitter with teens homers and 20+ steals at peak. But that’s projecting a lot on a teenager who hasn’t seen pro pitching yet. The risk is very high here: we need to see how his bat plays in full-season ball. Gamble will probably start 2026 in Low-A alongside Hammond, and his performance will determine if he’s more “tools than production” or on his way to being a true fantasy prospect. The organization will let him play decide whether he sticks in the infield or moves to the outfield; either path could speed up his advancement if he hits. Given his age and rawness, he’s at least three to four years away. However, his athleticism gives him multiple avenues, even if the bat is a work in progress, and his speed and defense could push him quicker in a utility role. Still, dynasty managers should primarily stash him for the long-term ceiling: the slight edge goes to that ceiling of a 5×5 contributor in roto leagues down the line, rather than any quick MLB impact.
8) Yandel Ricardo, 19 Y/O, SS
MiLB Stats (2025): .264 AVG | .346 OBP | .375 SLG | 2 HR | 31 SB | 22.0% K% | 9.0% BB%
Yandel Ricardo was one of the Royals’ splashy international signings (a $2.4 million bonus in 2024), and he’s a classic high-ceiling, high-risk shortstop prospect. A switch-hitter with a wiry 6’1” frame, Ricardo shows carrying tools in his defensive prowess and burgeoning power. He’s a smooth defender at short with quick feet, soft hands, and a plus arm. Scouts think he has a real chance to stick at shortstop long-term, which bodes well for his playing time outlook. Offensively, he’s still a work in progress. In 2025, Ricardo tore up the Complex League (.342/.438/.533) but found Low-A challenging, hitting .264/.346/.375 with 2 homers and 31 steals in 83 games combined. He tended to chase and put the ball on the ground too much against better pitching (over 60% ground ball rate in Single-A).
For dynasty managers, Ricardo is an extreme risk/reward prospect. The likely role if he hits his potential is an everyday middle infielder who contributes in multiple categories, think something like 15 home runs and 20 stolen bases with a decent average. But to get there, he’ll need to tighten his approach; right now, he swings at over half the pitches he sees and can be too aggressive. The good news is he makes solid contact from the right side and is learning to switch-hit, plus he’s still only 19 with plenty of time to adjust. Ricardo’s nearest path to MLB will be via his glove; his defense is advanced, so as he moves up (expect him back in Low-A to start 2026), his slick fielding could keep him on a fast track if the bat shows signs of life. Still, we’re likely looking at 2028 for an ETA. In fantasy, he’s more of a deep-league developmental stash at this point. The long-term ceiling (a power-speed shortstop) slightly outweighs his proximity, but he’ll need significant development to get there, making him a better fit for managers with patience and roster space.
9) Asbel Gonzalez, 20 Y/O, OF
MiLB Stats (2025): .239 AVG | .365 OBP | .289 SLG | 1 HR | 78 SB | 17.0% K% | 10.7% BB%
Asbel Gonzalez was one of 2025’s breakout prospects in KC’s system, going from a modest $157K international signee to leading the Carolina League in stolen bases. An explosive athlete, Gonzalez’s carrying tool is his 80-grade speed; he swiped 78 bags (in 104 attempts) at Low-A Columbia, often looking like the fastest player on the field. At 6’2” and 170 lbs, he’s lean and still growing into his frame. The bat is more contact-oriented right now: he hit .239 with a .365 OBP, showing a good eye (16% walk rate) but very little power (.289 SLG, only 1 homer). Gonzalez keeps the ball on the ground a lot (50% ground-ball rate) and uses his speed to leg out hits. Defensively, he’s a plus center fielder with excellent range and an above-average arm, so his glove will not be a barrier to playing time. For dynasty GMs in standard 5×5, González is a potential steals specialist down the line, the kind of player who could one day push 40+ stolen bases in the majors if he can hit enough to stay in the lineup.
His likely role projects as a leadoff or #9 hitter who provides speed, runs, and defense. The major risk is the bat: his exit velocities are low, and he must add strength to avoid being a one-dimensional slapper (his slugging and barrel rates were well below average in 2025). If he doesn’t develop at least gap power, higher-level pitchers might overpower him despite his contact skills. On the flip side, he doesn’t need to be a slugger to have fantasy value, even a .260 hitter with a good OBP and elite speed can be rosterable. The nearest path to MLB for González is as a pinch-runner/defensive sub initially, given that his skill set could play even before his bat is fully ready. But the Royals will likely give him full minor league reps; he should spend 2026 in High-A. He’s the type of prospect who could shoot up rankings if the power ticks up early in the season. Monitor his development, as the long-term ceiling of a Mallex Smith-type base-stealer is enticing, but he’ll need to prove he can hit enough as he climbs the ladder.
10) Carson Roccaforte, 24 Y/O, OF
MiLB Stats (2025): .258 AVG | .373 OBP | .470 SLG | 18 HR | 43 SB | 29.4% K% | 14.9% BB%
Carson Roccaforte might not have the loudest tools in the system, but he quietly put together one of the more impressive 2025 campaigns in the org. A 2023 college draftee, Roccaforte split the year between High-A and Double-A and totaled 18 home runs and 43 steals, with a combined slash of .258/.373/.470. In Double-A Northwest Arkansas, he really hit his stride, slashing .290/.387/.475 and walking nearly 15% of the time. Roccaforte’s carrying tools are a well-rounded game: above-average power (he significantly increased his ISO to .212 in 2025) and plus speed, paired with solid defense in the outfield. He’s a no-doubt center fielder with a 60-grade glove and 55 arm, meaning the Royals can comfortably deploy him at any outfield spot. The lefty bat does come with swing-and-miss; his strikeout rate jumped to 29.4% as he sold out for more pull-side power, but he offsets some of that with a 14.9% walk rate, indicating a mature approach.
In fantasy, Roccaforte’s profile is very intriguing as a potential power-speed combo guy who is also on the cusp of MLB. His likely role could be as soon as 2026, as the Royals badly need outfield help, and Roccaforte’s emergence has him “in the not-too-distant future” for a call-up. Initially, he might break in as a fourth outfielder who rotates across all three spots, but he has the upside to seize an everyday job. The risk with Roccaforte is lower than most on this list, given his age and performance at Double-A; the main question is how much batting average he will provide if the strikeout rate remains near 30%. He profiles as a possible second-division regular, maybe a 20 home run and 25 stolen base type if it all works, or at worst a useful fourth outfielder with plus defense and wheels. In dynasty, that means he’s worth rostering now, as the proximity gives him immediate value. Expect Kansas City to give him a shot, perhaps in late 2026; he’s already had a taste of the Arizona Fall League to further audition his skills. Long-term ceiling vs. proximity is a close call here, but he could contribute sooner rather than later, making him especially valuable to teams looking for near-MLB offensive help.
11) Ben Kudrna, 23 Y/O, RHP
MiLB Stats (2025): 105.1 IP | 5.30 ERA | 22.9% K% | 10.8% BB%
Ben Kudrna’s journey through the minors has been a bit of a roller coaster. A hometown high school pick in 2021, Kudrna has had flashes of brilliance and bouts of inconsistency, often in the same season. In 2025, he spent most of the year in Double-A, where in 94 innings he posted a 4.21 ERA with 96 strikeouts. Promoted to Triple-A for a September look, the wheels came off (11.1 innings with an ERA north of 14), underscoring that he’s still ironing things out. Kudrna’s carrying tool is a changeup that grades plus, a mid-80s circle change with about 15 inches of fade that misses bats consistently. His fastball is actually the question mark: it sits 93–95 mph but is pretty hittable when it’s up in the zone (some observers call it a below-average four-seamer). To compensate, he’s introduced a sinking two-seamer that gets ground balls and could become his primary heater. He also throws a solid slider in the mid-80s that can flash above-average.
For fantasy, Kudrna projects as a potential back-of-the-rotation starter or perhaps a swingman. He’s on the 40-man roster now and not far from contributing in some capacity. The risk with Kudrna is moderate: his stuff is decent across the board, but nothing jumps out as a sure ticket to MLB success, and his delivery has some effort that affects command. There’s been talk of a bullpen move if starting doesn’t pan out, which in fantasy would diminish his value unless he finds another gear in short stints. In a relief role, the fastball could tick up, and the changeup would play as a weapon, but for now, the Royals will continue developing him as a starter. Dynasty managers should view Kudrna as a high-variance arm: he could be a 150-inning MLB starter with middling ratios, or he could end up as a late-inning reliever. The nearest path to MLB might actually be that bullpen route; he could debut in late 2026 as a reliever, given he’s already in Triple-A and on the roster. However, his long-term ceiling (if he sticks as a starter) is probably a fourth or fifth starter who helps in wins and maybe strikeouts, but likely doesn’t have a dominant fantasy profile. He’s more of a watch-and-see guy for now, unless you have deep farm spots to speculate on a turnaround.
12) Drew Beam, 23 Y/O, RHP
MiLB Stats (2025): 131.2 IP | 3.83 ERA | 20.5% K% | 5.6% BB%
Drew Beam was one of the most reliable pitchers in the SEC during his time at Tennessee, and he carried that reputation into his pro debut in 2025. The Royals had him skip Low-A and sent him straight to High-A Quad Cities, where he took the ball every fifth day and logged 131.2 innings with a 3.83 ERA over 26 starts. Beam’s profile is that of a pitch-to-contact innings-eater, think vintage sinker/slider type. His fastball is low-90s with good carry, and he fills up the zone (only a 5.6% walk rate). He doesn’t have a wipeout strikeout pitch (20.5% K-rate in High-A), instead relying on mixing an array of average offerings: a cutter, a changeup, and a curve to complement the heater. The strongest asset for Beam is his control and command (carrying tool), as he can locate and sequence like a veteran, and his durable 6’4” frame should allow him to handle a starter’s workload (he went 7+ innings multiple times in college and was allowed to go deep into games in 2025).
Beam’s likely role is a back-end starter (#4/5 type) who could move quickly through the system. The Royals value his polish: he doesn’t have the upside of some younger arms, but he’s a lower-risk prospect because of his strike-throwing and experience. In fantasy, that means Beam might not be a hot commodity, as he profiles with modest strikeout totals and more help in ERA and WHIP. However, he could become a streamer-worthy pitcher who racks up innings and occasionally vulture wins if he lands on a decent team. The nearest path to MLB for Beam is simply continuing what he’s doing, as he’ll likely start 2026 in Double-A and could realistically debut by late 2026 or 2027 if there’s a need. Dynasty managers in deep leagues might stash him for volume and safety, but keep expectations in check. The long-term ceiling is limited (maybe a Toby-esque fantasy starter who is more valuable in real life), so emphasize MLB proximity and floor here. He could help in a pinch sooner rather than later, but he’s not a high-ceiling arm.
13) Luinder Avila, 24 Y/O, RHP
MiLB Stats (2025): 53.1 IP (AAA) | 5.23 ERA | 28.0% K% | 10.2% BB%
Luinder Avila quietly made his MLB debut in 2025, and he did so in style, posting a 1.29 ERA in 14 innings out of the Royals’ bullpen. The Dominican right-hander has been a slow burner in the minors (signed in 2018, only now reaching the majors), but he’s developed into a legitimate big-league-ready arm. Avila’s stuff isn’t overpowering in a starting role, but in relief, his carrying tool is a nasty high-70s curveball that functions as a plus pitch, inducing poor contact and whiffs. He actually has two fastballs: a four-seamer and a sinker, both in the mid-90s, touching 98, and each could be above-average with a bit more consistency in shape. As a starter in Triple-A Omaha, his results were underwhelming (5.23 ERA in 53.1 innings) despite 61 strikeouts, partly due to some command lapses and nagging injuries. But in shorter stints, the fastball(s) tick up, and the curve becomes a real weapon. He also has a changeup that is fringe-average, used primarily against lefties.
For fantasy, Avila’s value will depend on his role. The likely role going forward looks to be a multi-inning reliever or swingman. Kansas City has hinted that he “profiles best as a multi-inning reliever,” where his stuff plays up. If he sticks in the bullpen, he could be a source of holds or a ratio booster, but probably not many saves. If injuries strike the rotation, he might spot start, though his track record as a starter isn’t great. The risk with Avila is mostly about role uncertainty and health. He dealt with shoulder and ribcage injuries the past two years, which slowed his ascent. Now that he’s on the MLB roster, he’ll have an opportunity, but from a fantasy perspective, you’d like to see him maybe carve out a high-leverage relief role to matter in standard leagues. The nearest path to MLB is already realized, as he’s up, so now it’s about what he does with it. Given his big league taste, he’s one of the more proximate prospects on this list and thus carries value in deep dynasty formats where any MLB innings are valuable. Just keep in mind his long-term ceiling is probably that of a setup man or swing starter rather than a rotation anchor or closer, limiting his fantasy impact. In summary, Avila is a name to know for 2026 AL-only leagues, but more of a depth piece for now.
14) Steven Zobac, 25 Y/O, RHP
MiLB Stats (2025): 44.2 IP | 7.68 ERA | 21.1% K% | 8.0% BB%
Steven Zobac is an older prospect at 25, but there are reasons he’s still on the radar. A two-way player at Cal turned full-time pitcher, Zobac showed intriguing stuff in 2022 after being a fourth-round pick, though 2025 was largely a lost season due to a knee injury. He only managed 44.2 innings (mostly in Double-A) and was knocked around to the tune of a 7.68 ERA in that span. It’s a small sample, and injuries undoubtedly played a part, as his landing mechanics were affected by the knee, throwing off his command. When right, Zobac’s carrying tool is a nasty slider. In 2025, even in a limited showing, his slider averaged 87-88 mph and touched 91 with plus bite. It’s a true swing-and-miss pitch (borderline 60-grade). His fastball is solid too: 93 mph, up to 96, with good life and ride, making it at least above-average when located. Zobac also toyed with a splitter in place of a changeup, but plans to reintroduce a change in 2026 for a more traditional third offering. Despite the rough stat line, Zobac’s underlying talent suggests he could still become a high-leverage reliever in the big leagues, maybe even quickly. The Royals have hinted that if he’s healthy, Zobac “could move quickly” and reach the majors soon, potentially as a leverage bullpen arm.
For fantasy, that means keep an eye on him as a potential source of strikeouts and maybe holds/saves down the line. The likely role if everything clicks is a late-inning reliever who uses the fastball/slider combo to great effect. There’s also a chance (if he regains stamina and command) he gets another look as a starter, but at his age and with the success he’s had in short stints, relief seems more probable. The risk here is that, at 25, if he doesn’t perform early in 2026, he could fall off the prospect map quickly. Health is a big factor too, as we need to see that knee fully recovered. Dynasty managers in deep leagues could stash Zobac as a speculative saves play given Kansas City’s unsettled bullpen; his nearest path to MLB is likely beating on the door by mid-2026 if he’s dominating in Double-A/Triple-A. Overall, Zobac’s long-term ceiling (a closer or high-strikeout setup man) is tantalizing for fantasy, but it’s weighed down by the reality of his injuries and the ticking clock of his age.
15) Michael Lombardi, 22 Y/O, RHP
MiLB Stats: no pro data yet (2025 draftee)
Michael Lombardi is an intriguing pitching prospect who might fly under the radar because he hasn’t thrown a pro inning yet, but he has some exciting ingredients to work with. A second-round pick in 2025 out of Tulane, Lombardi was actually a two-way player in college, but the Royals drafted him for his arm, and for good reason. In his final college season, he pumped his fastball up to 97 mph and showed a hammer curveball that grades as plus. That curveball is arguably his carrying tool, a 77-81 mph bender with big depth that can miss bats in the zone. His fastball is another standout, sitting 92-95 with “swing-and-miss shape” up in the zone (likely a high spin rate). Lombardi also has a slider and changeup, though both were inconsistent in college (the slider is a cutter-ish mid-80s pitch that’s currently fringe, and the changeup is in the mid-80s as well). The biggest question mark is his command; he was a below-average strike-thrower in college, struggling at times to land those secondary pitches for strikes.
Given his arsenal and athleticism, Lombardi’s likely role could be mid-rotation starter if development goes well, he’s a good athlete, and the Royals believe he has a mid-rotation ceiling with refinement. However, we need to acknowledge the risk: as a relatively new full-time pitcher (only one year focusing solely on pitching), he needs polish and innings. The Royals will likely start him in Low-A Columbia in 2026 and see how his control and secondary development progress. For fantasy managers, Lombardi is a name to keep an eye on in deeper leagues; he could move faster than most college arms in this system because of his age (22) and experience, with a chance to see High-A later in 2026 if he dominates. The nearest path to MLB is probably late 2027 or 2028 as a starter if all goes well, but watch if the Royals ever consider him in relief, his fastball/curve combo could be deadly out of the pen, and that might accelerate his timeline. Still, they’ll give him every opportunity to start, and dynasty players should value the long-term ceiling here a bit more than proximity. Lombardi offers a rare combination of a power fastball and a true 12-to-6 curve. If he can throw enough strikes, he could turn into a fantasy-relevant starter in a few years.
The Next Five
Although these prospects do not crack the Top 15, dynasty managers should keep their eyes on these five players.
16) Kyle DeGroat: An over-slot signing out of the 2024 14th round, the former two-way player has the athleticism and low arm mileage for the Royals to build upon. His 2025 season was solid and saw him make his Low-A debut, too. Starter’s build and low 3/4 slot give him some physical tools to entice managers, but he needs to prove pure stuff in 2026.
17) Gavin Cross: Ninth overall pick in 2022, was one of two former first-round picks Kansas City left unprotected to the Rule 5 Draft this winter. Solid stolen base production, but power upside dwindles. Had a strong second-half in Double-A last season, so hopefully some late-season momentum carries across into the new season.
18) Cameron Millar: Third-round pick in the 2025 draft, the California native has an electric arm that lights up stuff models. His fastball has tons of movement, and some breaking offerings show flashes, but he is raw. A very high-risk, high-reward pitcher to stash in deeper leagues.
19) Felix Arronde: Quietly a productive pitcher, Arronde is consistent in limiting runs and being available, but lacks strikeout stuff. Batters cannot figure out his fastball, so Arronde pounds the zone with that offering more than half the time. A Double-A test should await in 2026.
20) Ramcell Medina: Part of a highly regarded 2025 international free agent class, Medina had some strong moments in his first professional season and profiles as a power-over-hit third baseman. Medina has a long road ahead and needs to address a long and complicated swing to unlock more potential.