Right before the All-Star Break, the Kansas City Royals traded their 35th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft to get Drew Waters (OF), Andrew Hoffmann (RHP), and CJ Alexander (3B/1B). We all know that Waters was the big name they got in return in this trade, but less was known about the other two guys the Royals received. I have only covered current Royals prospects in the Get to know Royals prospect series, but I figured it was a great time to introduce everyone to the two new Royals prospects.

Here’s a list of the ones I’ve written up so far for the rest of the series:

• Brennon McNair
• Kale Emshoff
• Michael Massey
• Noah Murdock
• Carter Jensen
• Nathan Webb
• Clay Dungan
• Noah Cameron
• Jake Means

Andrew Hoffmann was a 12th Round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves. The right handed pitcher was drafted out of the University of Illinois and was their Friday night starter. Before being drafted, Hoffmann spent time at three different schools. He started at Oakland University before transferring to a John A. Logan junior college and finishing up at Illinois. According to Baseball America, his claim to fame is a 34-game undefeated streak that stretches back to his final start with Oakland in his Freshman season.

 After being traded to the Kansas City Royals, Hoffmann popped in at #26 on the MLB Pipeline Royals Top 30 Prospects , right in between left-handed pitcher Drew Parrish and outfielder Tyler Gentry. I caught some of his first start with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, and he throws many strikes. He fills up the strike zone. 60 of 87 pitches in his first outing were strikes. Hoffmann is going to throw strikes and attack hitters. He is unafraid to back down from a challenge on the mound. He will come right at them with his average to above-average three-pitch mix that looks good. He has a fastball that sits in the low-90s and can get up to 95-96 mph. He pairs that with an above-average low-80s slider and low-80s change-up. 

Here’s a little bit of Andrew Hoffmann’s Royals and AA debut. Gave up what may be the softest hit opposite-field home run in the history of ever, but he looks excellent. pic.twitter.com/EJlYclNrkl

— Royals Farm Report (@RoyalsFarm) July 14, 2022

Hoffmann said he is extremely excited about joining the Royals. What he is looking forward to most with the Royals is “the new opportunities with the new organization and learning from a bunch of new individuals all while meeting a bunch of new guys,” Hoffmann said. There is potential for Hoffman to gain more strength as he progresses through the minor leagues. He is an exciting arm the Royals have the opportunity to add to their system. 

He brings a unique presence to the mound. “My favorite part of my game is being different than most with my pitching delivery,” Hoffmann said. “[I have] a funny delivery with a variety of different timings.” The variety of timing and funky delivery has been throwing off hitters since his professional debut and is just fun to watch. He has the confidence on the mound to vary up his delivery, and it doesn’t seem to impact his ability to throw strikes. He gives you some real Johnny Cueto vibes for those looking for a throwback to the 2015 World Series. 

ATL Andrew Hoffmann was the 2021 12th rounder. Had a great outing, striking out 11 over 6 innings. Used mostly a FB that sat around 94 and a SL. Did throw a few CH, too. SL was used in any count, showed lots of confidence in the pitch. pic.twitter.com/sC667RhFHY

— Trevor Hooth (@HoothTrevor) April 22, 2022

The Plainfield, Illinois native is ready to go in Kansas City. He’s had a short professional career since he only debuted in 2021, but he has already enjoyed the opportunity to prove himself. “My favorite moment in professional baseball was being drafted. And then getting the call that I was traded,” Hoffmann said. “I got the same excitement all over again to prove myself in another organization. 

It is safe to say all of us are excited to see what Hoffmann can do in a Royals uniform. He has started in Double-A, and there is no reason he might not debut before the end of 2023 if he keeps up his track record of success.

I always try to find some fun facts on these I write up for the series, and Hoffmann said a fun fact about him is “being colorblind”. We are excited for Hoffmann’s next start here at Royals Farm, and I am sure you will be able to find him in our upcoming midseason Top 50 rankings! 

Thank you to the @Braves for drafting me this past year and the opportunities! Excited to join the @Royals and get to work!

— Andrew Hoffmann (@hoffdaddy27) July 11, 2022