The Royals had made a big splash to move from rebuild to contender by trading for James Shields before the 2013 season. But for awhile, it looked as if that investment was for naught, with the team falling short of a playoff spot in 2014, and under .500 by the time the draft rolled around that first week of June. Little did anyone know, the team was about to go on an unforgettable run that would change everything.
The Royals entered the 2014 draft with four of the top 60 picks, getting the 17th overall pick, the 28th overall pick, as compensation for losing free agent Ervin Santana, the 40th pick for Competitive Balance Round A, and their regular second round pick at #56.