Two Kansas City Royals minor leaguers have been selected to represent the team at this summer’s Futures Game, in Arlington, Texas. Outfielder Gavin Cross and RHP Ben Kudrna will represent the team on July 13 at Globe Life Field. Kudrna, who ranks as the team’s sixth overall prospect, has continued his success at High-A so far in 2024. The Blue Valley Southwest alumnus has appeared in 12 games so far this season. He’s pitched to a 3.14 ERA with 64 strikeouts across 63.0 IP. He was named the Midwest League Pitcher of the Week last week, following the best start of his professional career last Sunday.

The second attendee, Gavin Cross, has seen about as up-and-down a professional career as you might expect. He came out of the gate strong after being drafted, dominating Low-A pitchers in his debut season. He struggled in 2023 for High-A Quad Cities, slashing .206/.300/.383 before his season ended prematurely on the injured list. This season — with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever behind him — he’s turned things around. Over 62 games, Cross has slashed .279/.359/.442 with 8 home runs. His strikeout rate has dropped to 25.1%. Cross looks back on track for a potential major league call-up next season.

Last summer, the Royals sent reliever Will Klein to the Futures Game. This year, they’ll have two prospects representing the team. The farm system is on the rise after a rough couple of years, and the Futures Game gives those prospects a chance to shine on a national stage.