The Kansas City Royals received their first bad news of the Spring on Saturday. Blake Mitchell, the team’s top catching prospect, is set to miss 4-6 weeks with a hamate bone fracture. The Kansas City Star’s Jaylon Thompson reported the news, stating that Mitchell is slated to have surgery next week. Mitchell is entering his age-20 season. His full-season debut in 2024 saw the power-hitting backstop slash .232/.368/.424 with 18 home runs and 26 stolen bases.

The Royals rewarded Mitchell with an invitation to big league Spring Training. He was set to debut alongside fellow top prospects Carter Jensen and Jac Caglianone. Instead, Mitchell will miss the entire spring training with hopes he will be ready to head to Davenport to open his season as close to Opening Day as possible.