The Royals have selected Blue Valley Southwest RHP Ben Kudrna in the second round. Kudrna is an LSU commit who is very projectable working 92 to 95 with his fastball. The fastball has touched 97. Kudrna is one of the top pitchers from the Midwest and played for the Building Champions summer program.

Kudrna throws a slider and change up to go along with his fastball. He has good spin and tilt and just needs to continue to refine everything. The biggest thing Kudrna does is he throws strikes.

Kudrna is 6’3″ and 195 pounds. There is room to add strength and velo to his classic pitcher’s frame. He has a narrow, high waist and wide shoulders which should allow for plenty of increased strength and velocity as he fills out.

Kudrna is not just a projection pick as he has great stuff presently. The Royals have taken two really good high school pitchers with huge ceilings so far in this draft. Kudrna is also a local kid so we can all root for him as he works his way to Kauffman Stadium someday.

Photo from Prep Baseball Report.