Wednesday, October 14

Welcome back to the Royals Beat newsletter. MLB.com digital content fellow Perla Paredes wrote this edition

MIAMI -- As the Royals look to build a stronger roster for 2027, some of the answers could already be working their way through the Minor Leagues.

Twelve of the organization’s top 13 prospects ended the 2026 season at or below High-A, but with potential opportunities emerging in the outfield and the pitching staff, here are three prospects who could make their way to Kansas City next season. 

OF Carson Roccaforte (No. 17)

Roccaforte has a breakout year in 2026, becoming the first Minor Leaguer in Royals history to record a 30-30 season. The 24-year-old averaged .257 with 35 home runs, 96 RBIs and 32 stolen bases across Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha.

He spent most of his season with Northwest Arkansas, hitting 30 homers in 110 games while slashing .251/.333/.523 with an .856 OPS. He was assigned to Omaha on Aug. 18, where he continued his production, batting .284 with five home runs in 28 games.

His defense remains another strength. The Royals No. 17 prospect received the organization’s Frank White Defensive Player of the Year Award for the third straight season after recording a career-high 13 outfield assists and not committing an error across 128 games (1,105 innings) in center and has the versatility to play all three outfield positions.

However, his swing-and-miss tendencies remain a concern after he struck out 181 times across both levels.

Still, with Kansas City looking to improve its outfield production, Roccaforte could compete for an opportunity in center field, where Kyle Isbel -- who will enter his final year under team control -- has been the primary option; he had a .224 averaged and a -0.4 bWAR in ‘26.

OF Gavin Cross

Cross showed encouraging signs in the second half of 2026 after beginning his first season with Omaha. The former No. 9 overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft started finding his rhythm at the plate, only missing 12 days with a hamstring strain in August. 

Beginning June 16, Cross slashed .297/.343/.576, showing flashes of the offensive potential that got him as high as No. 6 on Kansas City’s prospect list in 2025. He finished off the year with a .247 batting average, 17 home runs and 25 stolen bases. 

However, strikeouts also remain a concern with the 25-year-old. Cross struck out 149 times in 2026, the most in a single season during his Minor League career and one of the reasons he ultimately fell out of the Royals’ Top 30.

RHP Lucas Braun (No. 16)

With injuries leaving questions surrounding the Royals' starting rotation this offseason, Braun could be one of the internal options Kansas City evaluates heading into 2027.

The right-hander joined the organization from Atlanta in the trade involving Lane Thomas and Bailey Falter at the 2026 Trade Deadline.

Before the trade, Braun made 19 appearances (17 starts) between Double-A Columbus and Triple-A Gwinnett, posting a 3.53 ERA with 82 strikeouts. Following the trade, he recorded a 5.73 ERA with 38 strikeouts and 13 walks in 37 2/3 innings pitched for Omaha. 

Braun relies on a six-pitch mix rather than overpowering hitters. His fastball sits around 92 mph and can reach 96 mph, while his slider generates swings and misses. He also features a cutter, curveball, changeup and sinker, using his command and variety to keep hitters off-balance.

The Royals enter the offseason with Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo and Noah Cameron penciled into the starting rotation, leaving two spots to fill. While Kansas City is expected to pursue pitching through free agency and trades, Braun could provide another option as the organization evaluates its depth.

Pitching, pitching and more pitching. That figures to be the Royals' biggest priority this offseason after a 69-93 campaign exposed significant holes in both the starting rotation and bullpen. 

One of Kansas City's most pressing decisions involves the closer role. Carlos Estévez missed nearly the entire 2026 season, first dealing with a left foot injury before undergoing right shoulder surgery. The Royals hold a $13 million club option for 2027 with a $2 million buyout, and declining that option would free up additional payroll space.

Steven Cruz, Nate Pearson and Lucas Erceg could factor into the late-inning mix, but Kansas City may look outside the organization for an established closer. Adrian Morejon and David Bednar are among the potential free-agent options, while Raisel Iglesias could offer a veteran presence. Reunions with former Royals relievers Taylor Clarke or John Schreiber could also be possibilities.

The rotation presents another challenge. Wacha, Lugo and Cameron are expected to occupy three spots, leaving Randy Dobnak, Tony Gonsolin and Daniel Lynch IV among those who could compete for the remaining openings. With Cole Ragans, Stephen Kolek and Luinder Avila recovering from surgeries, adding another starter through free agency or a trade could provide needed depth.

Kansas City could also explore moving a position player to address its pitching needs. Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia are two players who could draw interest from other clubs. The Royals could also look to add a right-handed bat, particularly to improve their outfield production.

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