The Royals selected RHP Matt Sauer in the Major League portion of Wednesday’s Rule 5 draft. A portion of the draft — the minor league portion — usually has less impact and occurs immediately after. The Royals did not lose any players in the MLB portion but did lose LHP T.J. Sikkema and INF Clay Dungan in the minor league Rule 5 draft. Although neither player figures to be a substantial loss, it still isn’t great to lose organizational depth. Luckily, the Royals added three players in the minor league Rule 5 draft. Each player has a varying level of upside but will transition to the Kansas City farm system in 2024.
OF Joe Gray Jr. (MIL)
The first actual pick in this year’s minor league Rule 5 draft belonged to Kansas City after the Athletics decided to pass with their first selection. The Royals took outfielder Joe Gray Jr. from the Brewers organization. Gray was a second-round pick back in 2018 and was rather highly touted as a high-school prospect. Milwaukee aggressively sent Gray to Triple-A in 2019 where he struggled immensely. After the lost 2020 season, Gray took a more traditional path through Low-A and High-A. Throughout his minor league career thus far, he’s been unable to perform well at the plate and has been a below-league-average hitter at every level except Low-A. Gray can play center field and has the potential for above-average power at the plate. Unfortunately, he’s been unable to tap into that power due to a high strikeout rate and low batting average.
LHP Keylan Killgore (PHI)
LHP Keylan Killgore was a Wichita State standout before being drafted in the 17th round of the 2018 MLB Draft. Thus far in his professional career, he’s been unable to surpass Double-A — a level he first reached only last season. At 27 years old, he’s a bit too old to be labeled a true prospect. He can provide valuable depth in the system, however. In fact, he could fill a similar role to what T.J. Sikkema provided the Naturals last season. His pitch mix looks to rely mostly on a fastball and slider. Over 44.1 IP last season, he struck out 10.9 batters per nine innings but walked 4.55 per nine. That lack of command has caused him to struggle. The Royals will hope to improve his command to find more success.
2b Ryan Fitzgerald (BOS)
The Royals took 29-year-old Fitzgerald with their final Rule 5 pick of the day. The 29-year-old infielder was once a standout for Creighton University. He’s been unable to carve a path to the major leagues in his lengthy professional career thus far but is a fan favorite. Fitzgerald was awarded a key to the city of Worcester back in September. He likely will never reach Kansas City, but he’s a fantastic person who will add to any team he’s on. Fitzgerald should help to replace some of the lost depth with the departure of Clay Dungan.
