The Kansas City Royals’ farm system has served as a pipeline to the major leagues in recent years, producing former top prospects such as Mike Moustakas, Eric Hosmer, Salvador Perez and Danny Duffy, as well as a slew of late-inning arms.
It seemed as though the organization would once again boast a top-10 farm system headed into the 2013 season, but after trading three of its top-10 prospects—including its top offensive (Wil Myers) and pitching (Jake Odorizzi) prospects—to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for James Shields and Wade Davis, it’s a shell of what it was a few years ago.
In the wake of their deal with the Rays, the Royals’ prospect pool is now highlighted by a host of young, inexperienced players who are still years away from reaching the major leagues. A majority of their top prospects will open the 2013 season at either High-A Wilmington or Double-A Northwest Arkansas, where they each will presumably be tested.
Most of the team’s success in developing prospects has been the result of strong drafts, especially in 2009 and 2010. And although both Kyle Zimmer (2012) and Bubba Starling (2011) represent their top prospects, the Royals also have quietly assembled an impressive crop of raw, international talent.
Here’s a look at the Kansas City Royals’ top 10 prospects headed into the 2013 season.
- Login to post comments