The Kansas City Royals traded away several of their top prospects in recent years, especially in the deal that netted them Johnny Cueto. While the Royals have no regrets about that trade since it helped them win a World Series, the Royals' farm system is a little thin at the moment. However, the Royals still have some talented players.
This list is based on Baseball America's Top Prospects list. It includes players who are starting their first season in the majors. With that in mind, here are the 5 Best Royals Prospects and what they're doing.
5. RHP Nolan Watson
Watson was the No. 33 overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft. Watson was a high school pick, but has a high floor. While the ceiling isn't as high as others, Watson could be a middle of the rotation type of player. He's struggled this season at Single-A, posting a 9.82 ERA in two starts.
4. RHP Miguel Almonte
The Royals signed Almonte out of the Dominican Republic in 2010, but he's still just 23 years old. Almonte has the stuff to be a deadly pitcher, but has struggled with command and is too inconsistent. He could be a quality reliever or a starter for the Royals, if he can become more consistent. He appeared with the Royals late last year, posting a 6.23 ERA in nine relief appearances. He's struggled earlier this year, with a 7.20 ERA in two starts at Triple-A.
3. OF Bubba Starling
Starling was the No. 5 overall pick by the Royals in 2011 out of high school. He was given the largest signing bonus for a hitter from high school in draft history to help convince him to not play football at Nebraska. Starling might not be the five-tool player many thought he could be, but he still profiles as a 20-homer, 20-stolen base type of player. He's still just 23 and should be a quality player for the Royals soon. Starling improved last season, and has two home runs in six games this year. His average isn't great, but his OPS is .891.
2. RHP Kyle Zimmer
Zimmer was the No. 5 overall pick by Kansas City in 2012. The former third baseman turned pitcher has great potential, but has battled shoulder injuries. Zimmer could be a No. 2 starter if he stays healthy, but could also be a great closer. The Royals could call-up Zimmer at some point this season. If that happens, he could be placed in the bullpen and make KC's already deadly bullpen even better. He's currently at extended Spring Training as he battles shoulder fatigue.
1. SS Raul Mondesi
Mondesi has already made his MLB Debut, and it came in the World Series last year. The Royals signed him from the Dominican Republic when he was just 15 years old, and the 20 year old is primed to play a bigger role this year. While he's not on the 25-man roster, he'll likely get a call up at some point. Mondesi is stuck behind Alcides Escobar for the time being, but if Mondesi's bat continues to improve, the Royals will have to find a spot on the roster. He's simply too fast and too good on defense not to.
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