To get you prepped for the upcoming MLB draft, I surveyed the RFR staff to see who they’d like the Royals to take. I had each writer pick four players they thought might still be around for the Royals top four picks (signing considerations weren’t mandatory). Each collection of picks speaks to the priorities of each writer and their perspectives on how to best accumulate talent.

There were a few players picked by multiple writers: Cole Wilcox, Xavier Edwards, Jeremiah Jackson, and Jordan Groshans. So, clearly, those guys will be Royals any day now.

Enjoy!

Drake Downing

Jordan Groshans – Pos: 3B, Bats: R, Throws: R, Level: High School

A clubhouse fit with big power potential. Currently a short stop, he has the agility, soft hands, and arm strength to slide over to third base.  Hoping with this pick they can go slightly below slot.

Ethan Hankins – Pos: RHP, Level: High School

Is it a pipe dream? Maybe it is, but stranger things have happened. When he’s right, Hankins is the pitcher in this class with the most upside and I think it’s right to take him here. Having multiple picks this early makes this worth the gamble. Shouldn’t be a tough sign per the fangraphs guys.

Xavier Edwards – Pos: SS, Bats: S, Throws: R, Level: High School

Has the speed/defense that will keep him at SS for the long haul. The power potential is what makes me question if he lasts until the comp round.

Mike Siani – Pos: OF, Bats: L, Throws: L, Level: High School

Love everything about Siani. Projects to stick in CF. Solid speed, good defense and arm strength. I like the swing. He generates a lot of bat speed. I think he’ll be a solid hitter with above average pop for the position.

Alex Duvall

Michael Plassmeyer – Pos: LHP, Level: College

Quick riser through the system that gives you an upgraded version of Foster Griffin in the system. 6th round? (editor’s note: Alex broke the rules and picked someone he hopes the Royals take after the first round)

Kumar Rocker – Pos: RHP, Level: High School

Enough said.

Jeremiah Jackson – Pos: SS, Bats: R, Throws: R, Level: High School

High ceiling SS that profiles as a Lindor potential player with an admittedly low floor as well.

Greyson Jenista – Pos: 1B/RF, Bats: L, Throws: R, Level: College

Quick rising college bat high floor good corner D

Patrick Brennan

Cole Wilcox – Pos: RHP, Level: High School

Prep arm with a fastball I love, high-floor as far as prep righties go.

Xavier Edwards – Pos: SS, Bats: S, Throws: R, Level: High School

Speed, speed, speed. Plays a good SS. Should hit for average along the way.

Trevor Larnach – Pos: OF, Bats: L, Throws: R, Level: College

I’d prefer the Royals go with a college bat early and Larnach fits the bill. Advanced approach at the plate with some serious pop in the bat

Nolan Gorman – Pos: 3B, Bats: L, Throws: R, Level: High School

A bit more risk with this pick, but Gorman is possibly one of the higher-ceiling players in the draft. Would not mind at 18 at all.

Drew Osborne

Brice Turang – Pos: SS, Bats: L, Throws: R, Level: High School

Switch hitting SS with proven track record.  Could be best SS in HS class.

33 Noah Naylor – Pos: C, Bats: L, Throws: R, Level: High School

Can swing it. Solid player. Pro prospect brother.

Jordan Groshans – Pos: 3B, Bats: R, Throws R, Level: High School

Jeremiah Jackson – Pos: SS, Bats: R, Throws: R, Level: High School

Marcus Meade

Cole Wilcox – Pos: RHP, Level: High School

One of the things I like about Wilcox is he’s made noticeable progress in the last year, making his delivery more consistent, which has helped his command. I think he’s got ace potential.

Xavier Edwards – Pos: SS, Bats: S, Throws: R, Level: High School

Edwards is my favorite type of player. I value speed more than most, and Edwards has that. He’s also slick with the glove and improved his swing tremendously this spring.

Jeremiah Jackson – Pos: SS, Bats: R, Throws: R, Level: High School

Initially, I was going to choose between Jackson and Edwards, but I decided to pick both instead. Jackson doesn’t have the speed or quickness Edwards has, but he has a better swing with more projectable power.

Owen White – Pos: RHP, Level: High School

The Royals will probably be able to get White at 40 or maybe even the second round. Not many people are talking about him, but I think he’s got as much potential as any prep pitcher in this draft. He’s got a projectable body, simple mechanics, and great stuff. Unlike most prep pitchers, White rarely overthrows, which gives him consistent control.

Skylar Marks

Ethan Hankins – Pos: RHP, Level: High School

Fiery competitor that has electric stuff, the type of pitcher that the KC farm system lacks.

Tristan Pompey – Pos: OF, Bats: S, Throws: R, Level: College

A big and athletic switch hitting outfielder, that displays a patient approach. Slightly below average fielder, and projects as left fielder as a pro.

JT Ginn – Pos: RHP, Level: High School

Another power arm that offers a plus slider. Was up to 99 MPH this spring.

Tim Cate – Pos: LHP, Level: College

At 6’0” the juniors offers one of the best breaking balls in the draft class. He pairs that breaking ball with a fastball that works between 90-93.

Photo credit: Baseball America