The Royals system is categorized mostly by the unfound upside present among the crop of prospects. The team’s most recent first-round draft selections — Frank Mozzicato, Gavin Cross, and Blake Mitchell — have all struggled to some degree in their professional careers thus far. Mitchell, of course, hasn’t played much aside from a handful of Complex League games but ranks no. 94 on Pipeline’s top 100 prospects.

There are a ton of young prep prospects that were highly drafted. Mozzicato, Ben Kudrna, Blake Mitchell, Blake Wolters, Carter Jensen, and Hiro Wyatt are all 20 years old or younger and could raise their prospect status greatly with just one strong season in 2024. Others, such as Emmanuel Reyes, Luinder Avila, and Ramon Ramirez have added depth to the system as strong international signings. The system is deep but lacks a ceiling. Kansas City is hoping that some of that ceiling will show itself in 2024.

Here are the Farm to Fountains’ Top 70 Royals prospects:

1. LHP Frank Mozzicato

Overall Value ( /50): 34.9

2023 Rank: 1

Player Comp: Tyler Glasnow

Mozzicato was a bit of a surprise when he was drafted 7th overall by the Royals in the 2021 MLB Draft. After a bit of a disappointing first-year campaign, he’s only improved in 2023. Mozzicato has lowered his walk rate and is striking out batters at one of the highest rates in the Minor Leagues. With these improvements, he’s showing the frontline starter potential.

2. CF Carson Roccaforte

Overall Value ( /50): 34.0

2023 Rank: 2

Player Comp: Cody Bellinger

Carson Roccaforte was taken with the 66th overall pick by the Royals in the 2023 draft. Royals Director of Scouting, Danny Ontiveros, called him a “potential five-tool player” in center field and some of that showed up in 2023. He will almost certainly stick in center and offers plus defensive value with a good bat as well.

3. OF Tyler Gentry

Overall Value ( /50): 29.75

2023 Rank: 6

Player Comp: Alex Gordon

Gentry entered the system as a third-round pick in a shortened 2020 draft. He was the 2022 George Brett Hitter of the Year and looks primed and ready to snag an Opening Day roster spot in 2024. He’s well-rounded with an excellent approach at the plate and good line-drive power.

4. 3B Cayden Wallace

Overall Value ( /50): 29.25

2023 Rank: 3

Player Comp: Jake Lamb

Cayden Wallace showed fans in 2023 that he can become a well-rounded, true third-baseman at the next level. His power and approach were great for High-A Quad Cities, but he hit a bit of a wall after a promotion to AA Northwest Arkansas. He looked like he was starting to adjust when the season ended, and should start there once again next season.

5. C Blake Mitchell

Overall Value ( /50): 29.0

2023 Rank: 4

Player Comp: Tyler Soderstrom

Blake Mitchell is a bat-first prep catching prospect. The Royals drafted him early because they believed in his prodigious power potential. When he makes contact, Mitchell can hit the ball a long way with some impressive exit velocities. He’s looked great behind the plate so far in Arizona, as well, which is a good sign he could stay behind the plate long-term. The risk is sky-high, but with it comes a sky-high ceiling — one the Royals hope they can tap.

6. RHP Ben Kudrna

Overall Value ( /50): 28.75

2023 Rank: 5

Player Comp: Chris Archer

Ben Kudrna’s development through the minor leagues has been steady, if slow. He made noticeable improvements from 2022 to 2023 in his walk rate and ability to miss bats. He creates a ton of swing and misses — some of the very best in the entire minor leagues last season.

7. 2B/OF Javier Vaz

Overall Value ( /50): 28.75

2023 Rank: 7

Player Comp: Tommy Edman

Javier Vaz became front and center in the Royals’ farm system last season. He was a spark plug all year long, rarely striking out and showcasing possibly the very best hit tool in the entire system. FanGraphs was the first to place “Javi” in their top five Royals prospects. Don’t be surprised if other publications have him higher by preseason 2024 as well.

8. RHP Chandler Champlain

Overall Value ( /50): 28.5

2023 Rank: 8

Player Comp: Jesse Hahn

Chandler Champlain is a competitor every single night on the mound. He bullies opposing hitters in the strike zone and dares them to try and catch up to his stuff. His fastball is mid-90s, paired with a solid curveball, slider, and a somewhat new splitter that he debuted in 2023. As a starter, he could become a back-end starter at the major league level.

9. LHP Noah Cameron

Overall Value ( /50): 27.75

2023 Rank: 9

Player Comp: Brendan McKay

Noah Cameron has some of the very best command in the entire system, and his stuff is pretty solid as well. He’s got a dominant changeup, paired with a fastball 91-93 mph and a nice 12-6 curveball as well. Tommy John surgery caused him to drop in the draft and slowed the early part of his professional career. 2023 was his first full pro season and hopefully, 2024 will bring a higher workload as well.

10. RHP Blake Wolters

Overall Value ( /50): 27.5

2023 Rank: 17

Player Comp: Bobby Miller

Blake Wolters is yet to make his professional debut. To this point, however, he’s impressed in instructional league. He offers an upper-90s fastball and a sweeping slider. Both feature high spin rates. He has a third offering — a changeup — that he rarely throws. The Royals drafted him with the 44th overall pick in 2023 and hope he can develop alongside Frank Mozzicato, Ben Kudrna, and Emmanuel Reyes to supplement their future starting rotation in 2027 and beyond.

11. OF Gavin Cross

Overall Value ( /50): 27.25

2023 Rank: 10

Player Comp: Tyler O’Neill

Gavin Cross was selected ninth overall in 2022 but has struggled since. 2023 was a disaster of a season, but much of his season was marred by injury and illness. His strikeout rate is rather high, but his swinging strike rate isn’t all that bad, leading to some expectations that he could bounce back in 2024. The power potential is very real, but the hit tool needs to catch up.

12. OF Jared Dickey

Overall Value ( /50): 26.25

2023 Rank: 13

Player Comp: Kole Calhoun

Dickey was an 11th-rounder in 2023. Kansas City was able to sign him with some slot savings earlier in their draft crop. He has the potential to become a middle-of-the-order slugger with great patience. He limits strikeouts and walks at a healthy rate, but the power was a bit absent in a small sample at Low-A in his debut season.

13. RHP Mason Barnett

Overall Value ( /50): 26.2

2023 Rank: 12

Player Comp: Drew Rasmussen

Mason Barnett won the organization’s Paul Splittorff Pitcher of the Year Award in 2023. He has a stellar fastball-slider combination and showcased improved command in his first full professional season. It’s a strong combination of durability and punchout power that teams love to see from pitching prospects. He’s a name on the rise with a mid-rotation upside.

14. C Ramon Ramirez

Overall Value ( /50): 26.0

2023 Rank: 21

Player Comp: Carlos Santana

Ramon Ramirez has found his way up several Royals’ top prospect lists ahead of 2024. Prospects Live ranks him all the way up at number one. He has a muscular build fit for a catcher and showcased an impressive approach at the plate last season despite his youth. The potential is here for a plus bat with at least average defense behind the dish.

15. 3B Trevor Werner

Overall Value ( /50): 26.0

2023 Rank: 18

Player Comp: Bobby Dalbec

Werner showed off his loud power potential last season for the Low-A Columbia Fireflies. His excellent bat speed and barrel ability give him the potential of a 25-30 HR slugger in the heart of an MLB lineup someday. His defense isn’t much to write home about, but there’s time for him to develop there still.

16. RHP Will Klein

Overall Value ( /50): 26.0

2023 Rank: 37

Player Comp: Corey Knebel

Klein is knocking on the door of the big leagues after joining the 40-man roster this offseason. He’s got a dominant four-seamer/cutter combination and his curveball plays very well off of both as well. Despite a tendency to walk hitters, Klein strikes out enough to neutralize a lot of those. Still, he will have to finish lower than last year’s mark of more than six walks per nine innings in Omaha.

17. SS Josi Novas

Overall Value ( /50): 26.0

2023 Rank: N/A

Player Comp: Willy Adames

Josi Novas has a large 6-4 frame and plenty of power potential. He was signed by the Royals in their 2022 international class. He plays shortstop currently and offers good speed and excellent line drive power. The swing-and-miss is a limiting factor but didn’t stop Novas from posting a 130 wRC+ in 2023 for the Surprise Royals. It’s a very raw profile with tons of risk, but the bevy of tools all add up to a nice ceiling.

18. C Carter Jensen

Overall Value ( /50): 25.5

2023 Rank: 19

Player Comp: Trent Grisham

Jensen has moved his way through the minors at such a young age. At every level, he’s showcased excellent plate discipline and patience. Despite stronger second halves, both seasons have underwhelmed some in the average and power departments. In 2023, Jensen was more than three years younger than the league average for High-A. That youth leaves a lot of room for optimism as Jensen continues to develop at the plate.

19. OF Spencer Nivens

Overall Value ( /50): 25.5

Player Comp: Robbie Grossman

Nivens has one of the most impressive batted-ball abilities in the entire farm system. He rarely chases bad pitches and when it’s in the zone, he usually makes contact. Nivens pairs that impressive hit tool with loud exit velocities and solid contact. It didn’t translate in a small sample at Low-A in 2023, but don’t let the slash line fool you: Spencer Nivens is a legitimate outfield prospect that deserves your attention. He could be a quick riser with a strong 2024 campaign.

20. RHP Luinder Avila

Overall Value ( /50): 24.85

2023 Rank: 28

Player Comp: Wade Davis

Luinder Avila is a 22-year-old RHP with plenty of untapped upside. Through his age-21 season, he’s already surpassed 300 minor-league innings. After reaching High-A for the first time in 2023, Avila continued to show good command and a promising swing-and-miss ability, if inconsistent. His fastball improved greatly as the year went on and now he’s poised to take a stab at Double-A hitters sometime in 2024.

21. 2B Peyton Wilson

Overall Value ( /50): 24.75

2023 Rank: 20

Player Comp: César Hernández

Peyton Wilson has showcased one of the better hit tools in the entire Royals farm system. He makes good contact with inconsistent power and walks at a healthy rate. In 2023 he was able to cut his strikeout rate tremendously en route to a strong season. He profiles as a future leadoff man in the major leagues.

22. SS/CF Tyler Tolbert

Overall Value ( /50): 24.75

2023 Rank: 24

Player Comp: Peter Bourjos

Tyler Tolbert was the winner of the organization’s 2023 George Brett Hitter of the Year Award. He blossomed at the plate in the year’s second half, hitting for more power and average. At the same time, he transitioned to center field. Those developments make Tolbert a name to watch in 2024. He’s not on the 40-man roster and survived the Rule 5 Draft, but could find his way to Kansas City if the need arises next season.

23. RHP Andrew Hoffmann

Overall Value ( /50): 24.75

2023 Rank: 29

Player Comp: Chris Flexen

Andrew Hoffmann has seen his share of struggles since joining the Royals organization in 2022. Still, we saw in 2023 just how good he can be when his stuff is working for him. He offers an excellent changeup but has been inconsistent with his command since reaching Double-A. There’s back-end starter potential with a high reliever risk. His fastball sits in the low 90s making his secondary offerings all that more important.

24. RHP John McMillon

Overall Value ( /50): 24.66

2023 Rank: 32

Player Comp: Tommy Kahnle

John McMillon was one of the biggest benefactors of the Royals’ new “Raid the Zone” mantra in 2023. His command took a serious step forward, and it carried him from Low-A to Kansas City. A forearm strain ended his season prematurely, but not before he set himself apart in the farm system. He was the best pitcher in the organization (by far) in K%, K-BB%, and FIP. He has all the makings of an elite, late-inning reliever at the sport’s highest level.

25. RHP Emmanuel Reyes

Overall Value ( /50): 24.5

2023 Rank: 16

Player Comp: Zac Gallen

Emmanuel Reyes was a quietly rising international prospect ahead of last season. He made his Arizona debut and pitched well before a first-half promotion to Low-A Columbia. After arriving in Columbia, Reyes showed off impressive command and an ability to work efficiently through opposing lineups. With his age, he struggled to maintain his stuff deep into starts and faced arm slot issues at times. As he matures, he should be able to last deeper into starts and become more effective.

26. 3B/OF Austin Charles

Overall Value ( /50): 24.0

2023 Rank: 22

Player Comp: Keon Broxton

Charles was a quick riser in his first professional season. He showcased good power potential and excellent speed. There’s a lot of ceiling to dream on here but it’s going to take a ton of development to get there. It could be at shortstop, but Charles’ big frame makes him an excellent candidate to move to third base or the outfield at some point. His speed and strong arm would fit center field nicely.

27. 1B/OF Derlin Figueroa

Overall Value ( /50): 24.0

2023 Rank: 59

Player Comp: Nomar Mazara

Figueroa was acquired by the Royals at the 2023 trade deadline from the Dodgers. It’s been an up-and-down pro career thus far for the international product. At times, there has been outstanding power output and great patience at the plate. Other times, it’s a pull-happy approach with weaker contact and poor, inconsistent production.

28. OF Asbel Gonzalez

Overall Value ( /50): 24.0

2023 Rank: 23

Player Comp: Manuel Margot

Gonzalez is a good, up-the-middle prospect acquired by the Royals in the 2023 international signing period. He’s showcased good defense and speed thus far. At the plate, his approach looks very advanced for his age and he’s shown potential for good contact. It’s all projection to this point, but if it all comes together for Gonzalez he could be a very good defender in center field with enough skill at the plate to be dangerous.

29. RHP Hiro Wyatt

Overall Value ( /50): 23.75

2023 Rank: 27

Player Comp: Brady Singer

Wyatt was a late riser in the 2023 MLB Draft class, not too different from Frank Mozzicato in 2021. Both pitchers come from Connecticut but feature very different arsenals. Wyatt commands a mid-90s fastball with a good, high-spin slider. That two-pitch combination has carried him thus far but he will need to add to it for future MLB success.

30. LHP Ryan Ramsey

Overall Value ( /50): 23.5

2023 Rank: 34

Player Comp: J.P. Howell

Ramsey set the Columbia Fireflies franchise record for consecutive scoreless innings in 2023. His strikeout ability was a bit of a surprise, but it’s been there for some time. He tossed a perfect game for Maryland in April 2022, proving that the ability to become a shutdown starter exists. It’s a three-pitch mix, featuring a fastball, changeup, and curveball. Long-term he profiles more as a mid-inning reliever than a true rotation starter.

31. LHP Anthony Veneziano

Overall Value ( /50): 23.50

2023 Rank: 49

Player Comp: Brandon Waddell

Veneziano landed firmly on the prospect radar in a strong 2021 season that saw him finish with a 32.2% K%. He’s been unable to maintain those results consistently, but his arsenal can be very effective at times. He fell a bit to the wayside until a strong start at Double-A Northwest Arkansas in 2023 rekindled some of his prospect status. Long term it’s more of a relief profile, but Veneziano has a chance to be a big leaguer in 2024 after making his MLB debut in 2023.

32. LHP Tyson Guerrero

Overall Value ( /50): 23.0

2023 Rank: 38

Player Comp: Colin Poche

Guerrero finally got healthy in 2023 and put together his best season as a pro in the process. Guerrero was among the best starters in the Royals farm system, ranking toward the top in strikeout rate and K-BB%. He was downright dominant in High-A before a late-season promotion to Northwest Arkansas. The small sample led to a high ERA, but Guerrero didn’t lose any of his strikeout ability at the next level.

33. RHP Henry Williams

Overall Value ( /50): 22.75

2023 Rank: 26

Player Comp: Toukki Toussaint

Henry Williams was the key return in the Scott Barlow trade. He’s yet another former prep standout from the state of Connecticut. That seems to be a slowly developing hotbed for the Royals pitching talent. He commands a fastball, curveball, and changeup. Since returning from Tommy John Surgery in 2023, it’s been a slow road back to effective velocity and command. Hopefully, 2024 will show improvements in both.

34. C Luca Tresh

Overall Value ( /50): 22.75

2023 Rank: 62

Player Comp: Josmil Pinto

Tresh had a down year in 2023, but there’s hope he can bounce back in 2024. At one point, he was a patient hitter with an average hit tool and good power for a catcher. The patience hasn’t gone anywhere, but Tresh needs to rediscover some power at the plate in order to raise his prospect status. He’s a tad below-average behind the dish, meaning his ability with the bat is all the more important.

35. RHP Steven Zobac

Overall Value ( /50): 22.5

2023 Rank: 46

Player Comp: Tyler Mahle

Zobac is a great blend of command and strikeout stuff. His slider is impressive and his fastball is underrated. He needs to develop a true third pitch and probably a fourth to truly stick as a starter. He’s struggled to get through more than five innings thus far as a pro. There’s ample reliever risk, but Zobac would make a sound SIRP in the big leagues, so that isn’t a terrible risk to have.

36. OF Diego Hernandez

Overall Value ( /50): 22.5

2023 Rank: 40

Player Comp: Mallex Smith

Hernandez was a fast-rising prospect after a strong 2022 season that saw him post impressive results at both High-A and Double-A. A shoulder injury sidelined him out of spring training before the 2023 season and once he returned, he was unable to find the same success for the Naturals. He’s a strong defender with great speed but the ability with the bat will be what carries his long-term value.

37. RHP Beck Way

Overall Value ( /50): 22.5

2023 Rank: 42

Player Comp: Dylan Coleman

Way struggled immensely in 2023 with his command but found better success as a reliever. He has an impressive 65-grade slider with a plus fastball as well. Unfortunately, he’ll give up his share of walks on the mound. If he can find a bit more command, there’s a late-inning reliever upside to be found with Way. Much like Dylan Coleman, however, the command could limit that upside and hamper his overall success.

38. OF Erick Torres

Overall Value ( /50): 22.0

2023 Rank: 25

Player Comp: Desmond Jennings

Torres is a speedy, contact-first center fielder. Signed as part of the 2022 international class, he should get a chance to debut with the Low-A Columbia Fireflies in 2024. In the Complex League last season, he slashed an impressive .319/.392/.428. The power output isn’t too strong quite yet, but it’s rare to see a young player like Torres have such a strong approach while limiting strikeouts the way he does.

39. OF Daniel Lopez

Overall Value ( /50): 22.0

2023 Rank: 39

Player Comp: Kole Calhoun

40. RHP Eric Cerantola

Overall Value ( /50): 22.0

2023 Rank: 48

Player Comp:

41. OF John Rave

Overall Value ( /50): 21.75

2023 Rank: 30

Player Comp: Kyle Isbel

Unfortunately for John Rave, the Royals already have Kyle Isbel on the major league roster, and rostering two 26-year-old center fielders who provide the same upside isn’t smart baseball. Rave plays sound defense in center field and has good speed. His bat is limited by approach and strikeouts. When he can limit those Ks, the results usually follow. The power is limited which makes the strikeouts even harder to accept. The potential is there for a .280 hitter with above-average defense, which carries Rave up to 29 on our list.

42. OF Tucker Bradley

Overall Value ( /50): 21.75

2023 Rank: 53

Player Comp:

43. OF River Town

Overall Value ( /50): 21.5

2023 Rank: 64

Player Comp: Magneuris Sierra

44. RHP Marwys Jorge

Overall Value ( /50): 21.5

2023 Rank: N/A

Player Comp:

45. RHP Shane Panzini

Overall Value ( /50): 21.45

2023 Rank: 51

Player Comp: Parker Bridwell

46. OF Milo Rushford

Overall Value ( /50): 21.25

2023 Rank: 45

Player Comp: Adam Eaton

47. LHP Hunter Owen

Overall Value ( /50): 21.15

2023 Rank: 43

Player Comp: Austin Gomber

48. LHP Oscar Rayo

Overall Value ( /50): 21.0

2023 Rank: 35

Player Comp: Angel Zerpa

Rayo signed with the Royals as an international free agent in their 2019 class. He uses a low-90s fastball alongside a curveball, slider, and good changeup to keep hitters off balance. The strikeouts haven’t been impressive thus far, but his command is excellent. Over 71.1 innings in 2023, he allowed just one home run. That mix of command and soft contact is intriguing. With a bit of refinement within his arsenal, Rayo could be a rising prospect.

49. INF Jhonny Perdomo

Overall Value ( /50): 21.0

2023 Rank: 56

Player Comp: Leury García

50. 1B/RF Brett Squires

Overall Value ( /50): 20.75

2023 Rank: 65

Player Comp: Sam Hilliard

51. RHP Coleman Picard

Overall Value ( /50): 20.7

2023 Rank: 57

Player Comp: Brandon Pfaadt

52. RHP Felix Arronde

Overall Value ( /50): 20.6

2023 Rank: 36

Player Comp: Grant Gavin

Arronde signed as a 17-year-old international free agent out of Cuba. That was back in 2021, and since then he’s started to make quiet noise in the farm system. His mid-90s fastball helps him to rack up the strikeouts. The rest of his arsenal needs some refinement, including his command. There’s a ton of upside here from a still-young prospect, but the floor remains very low as well.

53. OF Jean Ramirez

Overall Value ( /50): 20.5

2023 Rank: 41

Player Comp: Michael Gigliotti

54. SS Daniel Vazquez

Overall Value ( /50): 20.25

2023 Rank: 44

Player Comp: Maikel Garcia

55. OF Tony Ruiz

Overall Value ( /50): 20.0

2023 Rank: 54

Player Comp: Brett Eibner

56. RHP William Fleming

Overall Value ( /50): 20.0

2023 Rank: 60

Player Comp: Zach McAllister

57. UTIL Devin Mann

Overall Value ( /50): 20.0

2023 Rank: 52

Player Comp: Ben Zobrist

58. LHP Cooper McKeehan

Overall Value ( /50): 19.7

2023 Rank: 61

Player Comp:

59. 2B Lizandro Rodriguez

Overall Value ( /50): 19.5

2023 Rank: 58

Player Comp: Sam Haggerty

60. OF Eric Kennedy

Overall Value ( /50): 19.25

2023 Rank: 66

Player Comp:

61. LHP Hunter Patteson

Overall Value ( /50): 19

2023 Rank: 47

Player Comp: Anthony Veneziano

62. INF Leonel Valera

Overall Value ( /50): 18.75

2023 Rank: 67

Player Comp:

63. RHP Logan Martin

Overall Value ( /50): 18.55

2023 Rank: 68

Player Comp: Jonah Dipoto

64. RHP Jonathan Bowlan

Overall Value ( /50): 18.5

2023 Rank: 50

Player Comp: Seth Lugo

65. SS/3B Brennon McNair

Overall Value ( /50): 18.0

2023 Rank: 63

Player Comp: Lazaro Armenteros

66. RHP Weskendry Espinoza

Overall Value ( /50): 18.0

2023 Rank: NR

Player Comp:

67. LHP Chazz Martinez

Overall Value ( /50): 17.75

2023 Rank: NR

Player Comp:

68. RHP Ben Hernandez

Overall Value ( /50): 17.0

2023 Rank: NR

Player Comp:

69. OF Roni Cabrera

Overall Value ( /50): 17.0

2023 Rank: NR

Player Comp:

70. RHP Mack Anglin

Overall Value ( /50): 16.75

2023 Rank: NR

Player Comp: