Kansas City Royals

Draft History
2025
no protection
9 - Jhonkensy Noel
30a - Justin-Henry Mallory
67 - Viktor Vodnik
97 - Joe Ross
127 - Trent Thornton
139 - Austin Voth

2024
Freddy Fermin - protection
14 - Joey Wiemer
60 - Zach Short
104 - Justin Lawrence
122 - Billy McKinney
133 - Mike Ford

2023
Bobby Witt Jr. - protection
119 - Luke Maile
137 - Joey Wentz
139 - Hoby Milner

2022
Daniel Lynch - protection
54 - Cole Sulser
60 - Drew Steckenrider
79 - Jake Brentz
144 - Ernie Clement

2021

Brady Singer - protection
135 - Jason Adam
137 - Nick Tropeano
148 - Sam Selman
178 - Eric Yardley

2020
Nicky Lopez - protection
29 - Liam Hendriks
56 - Tommy Kahnle
89 - Colin Poche
119 - Zack Littell
149 - Rowan Wick

2019
Ryan Brasier - protection
51 - Michael Hermosillo
54 - Jace Fry
124 - Justin Anderson

2018
Rafael Devers - protection
19 - Jack Flaherty
49 - Danny Barnes
79 - John Brebbia
109 - Jordan Luplow
139 - Chih-Wai Hu

2017
Andrew Benintendi - protection
19 - Seung-hwan Oh
75 - Boone Logan
79 - Michael Martinez
104 - Joey Wendle
109 - Jeff Mathis

2016
Blake Swihart - protection
8 - Eduardo Rodriguez
23 - Henry Owens
24 - Colin Rea
38 - Travis Jankowski
84 - Zach Godley
128 - Steve Geltz

2015
Mookie Betts - protection
6 - Marco Gonzalez
96 - Mike Morin
126 - Steven Wright

2014

Xander Bogaerts - protection
3 - Travis d'Arnaud
4 - Kolton Wong
34 - Seth Maness
39 - Caleb Thielbar
134 - Carlos Torres
135 - Drake Britton

2013
Will Middlebrooks - protection
7 - A.J. Griffin
31 - Martin Perez
95 - Cesar Izturis
127 - John Hester

2012

Jose Inglesia - protection

4 - Johnny Giavotella
5 - Zack Cozart
12 - Drew Pomeranz
91 - Jose Arredondo

2011
Ryan Kalish - protection
19 - Wilson Ramos
23 - Lars Anderson
41 - Josh Bell
73 - Matt Treanor
83 - David Pauley
109 - Yuniesky Maya

2010
Daniel Bard - protection
26 - Ryan Roberts
116 - Eli Whiteside
145 - Corky Miller
146 - Kip Wells

2009
Jed Lowrie - protection
35 - Brad Ziegler
80 - Arthur Rhodes
95 - Brent Lillibridge
103 - German Duran

2008
Daisuke Matsuzaka - protection
1 - Jacoby Ellsbury
38 - Jack Cust
78 - Jack Taschner
89 - Tim Byrdak
91 - Brian Wolfe
94 - Justin Miller
150 - Mike Rouse

2007
Jon Lester - protection
3 - Boof Bonser
33 - Eliezer Alfonzo
60 - Reggie Abercrombie
63 - Vinny Castilla
93 - Jae-Kuk Ryu
101 - Juan Morillo
123 - Joe Nelson

2006
Hanley Ramirez - protection

3 - Ryan Langerhans
22 - Paul Maholm
33 - Hayden Penn
63 - Eduardo Perez
123 - Darrell Rasner
150 - Jeff Bajenaru

2005
Kevin Youkilis - protection
22 - Ryan Howard

26 - Ben Hendrickson
100 - Choo Freeman
101 - Jamey Wright

2004

Jason Shiell - protection

24 - Wilson Alvarez
54 - Scott Linebrink
81 - Stephen Randolph
93 - Kevin Witt
108 - Brian Banks

2003

Bryant Nelson - protection
18 - Chad Moeller
34 - Mike Koplove
124 - Rudy Seanez

2002
Shea Hillenbrand - protection

7 - Chris Rietsma
11 - Josh Towers
23 - Victor Zambrano
37 - Bobby Kielty
127 - Mark Johnson

2001
29 - Ryan Vogelsong
46 - Grant Roberts
54 - Morgan Burkhart
86 - Tom Evans
106 - Nate Rolison

2025 Kansas City Royals
2024: 67-95 Finished 4th in AL West
Overview: The Royals started out the season playing very solid ball, by going 17-11 at home. The season took a turn for the worse around the all-star break. KC struggled so much that they ended their season going 9-19 the last trimester. What will they do to get back to those winning ways the Royals fans were getting so accustomed to?

Starting Rotation: The Royals rotation is a veteran group. They are led by a very solid top three. Kevin Gausman, Jack Flaherty, and Brady Singer will keep them in most games they pitch. Look for Flaherty to be all over NBC leaderboards at the end of the season. The rest of the rotation could be a struggle. One reason is they are all left-handed. Martin Perez (seems like he has been around forever) will hold down the 4th slot and do ok there. Eduardo Rodriguez will battle injuries and will need help from Daniel Lynch or Joey Lucchesi to make it through the season. The Royals rotation should be able to still hold its own.

Bullpen: Who are these guys? The Royals enter spring training with no clear cut closer or even any real dominant relievers. They have 8 bodies out there. You can find the likes of Erik Swanson, Hoby Milner, Tanner Banks, and Luis Garcia possibly pitching is leverage situation. They will each have good and bads days in my opinion. Wes can probably micromanage these into more than they show on paper. Look for the pen to get an addition or 2 on draft day if not before.

Outfield: The outfield in KC this year will be patrolled by a very pedestrian group. Yes, they have the pedigree, but will they reclaim past success? Lane Thomas will be out in center and brings a little bit of everything. Some power, some speed, and average defense. Tommy Pham and Andrew Benintendi man the corners, but could see some Mark Canha out there. Don’t expect big years from these guys.

Infield: Here is where the real meat and potatoes of the Royals dwell. The left side of the KC infield is as good as any team. Look for All World SS Bobby Witt Jr to have a great season (and career). He has no real weakness and is very durable so expect him out there every day. Rafael Devers is his neighbor at 3rd base. Devers has power and should drive is lots of runs with Witt ahead of him in the lineup. Royals management has tried for years to move Xander Bogaerts. Thankfully that has never happened as the switch to 2nd base has been great for Xander. He will play very good defense and produce some offense as well. 1st base is ok for now with Mark Canha over there. He is very capable, but the Royals have looked to replace him so he could play more outfield. I’m sure they would love to see more power at this position. The Royals do have the luxury of having 2 very good backups on the infield. Ernie Clement and Nicky Lopez. There has been rumor that they are trying to trade one of these guy, but you can also see the DH position coming from here.

Catcher: 2024 AL Rookie of the Year! Yes, Freddy Fermin won ROY with a very solid season. Look for him to handle most of the time behind the dish. He is a great find for KC as he can help eliminate the running game with his cannon of an arm. The icing on the cake is he also has a good stick and will help this offense. Veteran Luke Maile is still with the team as the back up catcher and will surely spell Fermin from time to time.

Outlook: Kansas City management looks to improve from a disappointing 2024. They have some very good assets that could help bring some guys to get that done. If the Royals can’t trade for help, look for them to use the draft to bring some. They pick 9th in this coming draft, and they declined a territorial protection so they have a supplemental pick after the 1st round to go along with 4 more picks down the road. This team has the capability to jump up from 4th in the division, but will they be able to contend for a playoff spot? The starting pitching is there and of course the heart of the order with Witt Jr and Devers will be formidable. Going into spring training I think they are on the outside looking in unless they address the bullpen and offense from the outfield. Of course, another good starting pitcher wouldn’t hurt.