The Royals will add to an improving farm system with six picks in a limited five-round draft this week, beginning Wednesday evening. Arizona State first baseman Spencer Torkelson is considered a lock to go first overall to the Tigers, and the Orioles are expected to take Vanderbilt third baseman Austin Martin, although there is some talk they could take someone else underslot. The Marlins are reported to have zeroed in on Texas A&M pitcher Asa Lacy.
That leaves the Royals with the fourth pick to select among several attractive candidates including New Mexico State second baseman Nick Gonzales, Florida prep outfielder Zac Veen, Georgia pitcher Emerson Hancock, Minnesota pitcher Max Meyer, and Arkansas outfielder Keston Hjerstad, among others.