What a ride already for Kansas City Royals first-round pick, Blake Mitchell. The two-time Texas Gatorade Player of the Year was met with scrutiny and disdain — not praise and hype — after being selected by the team eighth overall in the 2023 draft. At the time, Mitchell was committed to LSU but forwent that commitment to sign with the Royals and start his professional career. Immediate returns weren’t otherworldly either, further compacting the negative narrative surrounding the 19-year-old prospect. Now, into his first full season of affiliate ball, that narrative is starting to shift. Mitchell entered the Pipeline Top 100 this preseason, then moved up with a mid-season update and is currently #70.
Is Blake Mitchell becoming the next great Royals prospect?
