A season ago, the Low-A Columbia Fireflies offered one of the more intriguing rosters in the Kansas City Royals farm system. The team’s top prospect, catcher Blake Mitchell, headlined the group. Others, including Emmanuel Reyes, Blake Wolters, and Austin Charles, rounded out the top names in the group. Into the season, Hiro Wyatt and Hyungchan Um joined the mix. Erick Torres and Derlin Figueroa led the way in at-bats and games played, while Felix Arronde led the team with 110.1 IP and 103 strikeouts.

Four different Fireflies had at least 10 home runs, and Columbia’s 79 home runs as a team ranked second in the Carolina League. The Fireflies also ranked second in the Columbia League in team ERA at 3.48. 20 different pitchers finished the year with an ERA under 4.00 with the Fireflies. It all came together in a 68-63 record. Columbia finished 35-30 in the first half but missed a playoff berth by 5.5 games despite a strong +27 run differential.

Into 2025, the Fireflies figure to once again offer plenty of Royals top prospects. Some names should be back, while others head to Low-A for the first time. Here’s a preview of who to expect early on in Columbia this season.

Hitters

Catchers:

Ramon Ramirez, Canyon Brown, Hyungchan Um

Infielders:

Jhosmmel Zue, Angel Acosta, Jorge Hernandez, Josi Novas, Stone Russell, Diego Guzman, Giullianno Allende

Outfielders:

Henry Ramos, Asbel Gonzalez, Roni Cabrera, Noah Barber, Milo Rushford

The position player group in Columbia will again offer a top catching prospect within the organization. Much like late last year, it will probably offer two. Ramon Ramirez spent all of last season in the Arizona Complex League and should make his way up a level for 2025. Hyungchan Um spent some time with the Fireflies last season but struggled with contact and would benefit from a return. The infield is a bit weaker than years past with promotions for Daniel Vazquez and Austin Charles likely. Josi Novas offers a sky-high ceiling with his 6-4 frame and raw power but struggled to a 46.2% strikeout rate in last season’s Complex League.

Jorge Hernandez was signed out of Mexico as an amateur free agent in January 2023. He played primarily third base a season ago, slashing .291/.337/.399. If the infield is the weakness of the group, the outfield may prove to be a strength. Gonzalez headlines the group and would be the highest upside hitter on the entire roster. Ramos was somewhat of a higher-profile international signing in 2022, offering 60-grade power potential. Roni Cabrera was acquired alongside Cole Ragans in the Aroldis Chapman signing, and Noah Barber was an undrafted free agent out of Blue Valley North High School in Kansas.

Pitchers

Starting Rotation:

Blake Wolters, Hiro Wyatt, Tanner Jones, Nick Conte, David Shields

Bullpen and Depth:

Luis Valdez, Jonatan Bernal, Dennis Colleran, Weskendry Espinoza, Jordan Woods, Jesus Rios, Yeri Perez, Ismael Michel, Yimi Presinal, Shawndrick Oduber

The rotation is tons of fun, but let’s start with the bullpen and depth. There’s some gas in the pen, headlined by 2024 draftee Dennis Colleran and 20-year-old Yeri Perez. Perez struck out 25.9% of batters in the Complex League a year ago, touching 97 mph with his fastball. Espinoza has a wicked fastball with good life as well, and could be an intriguing name to watch.

As far as pitching goes, the rotation certainly offers the most top-tier names as far as prospect potential goes. Wolters and Wyatt both pitched in Columbia a year ago and factor into Kansas City’s long-term plans. Tanner Jones and Nick Conte were both 2024 draftees, with Jones appearing briefly a year ago with Columbia as well. The newcomer of the bunch — also a 2024 draftee — was among the highest ceiling prep arms in last year’s draft. The Royals drafted him as a second rounder and he should make his way to Columbia for his debut in 2025.