Draft Forecast: Kansas City Royals

TEAM: Kansas City Royals
PICK: 18 (Slot: $3,349,300)
POOL: $12,781,900
SCOUTING DIRECTOR: Lonnie Goldberg

PREVIOUS TOP PICKS
2017: Nick Pratto, 1B, Huntington Beach HS, CA (14th overall)
2016: A.J. Puckett, RHP, Pepperdine (67th overall, 2nd round)
2015: Ashe Russell, RHP, Cathedral HS, IN (21st overall)
2014: Brandon Finnegan, LHP, Texas Christian (17th overall)
2013: Hunter Dozier, SS, Stephen F. Austin (8th overall)

HISTORY: The Royals went with prep picks in the first two rounds last year with 1B Nick Pratto (Huntington Beach HS, CA) and C M.J. Melendez (Westminster Christian Academy, FL). They’ve been relatively balanced with high school and college picks the last five years, as well as going between high upside and safer, high-floor guys.

FORECAST: Kansas City has the highest draft pool in 2018, working with almost $12.8 million and five picks on the first day. They would have the wiggle room to pounce on a prospect that falls or has health questions with their first pick, but are more likely to go for at least a small discount first and then deploy that tactic with the compensation picks. They went that route in 2013 when they took SS Hunter Dozier (Stephen F. Austin) at eighth overall and then pounced on LHP Sean Manaea (Indiana State) with the 34th pick. OF Jordyn Adams (Green Hope HS, NC) wouldn’t be cheap, but he would still likely come in under slot and he’s been tied to the Royals quite a bit in the last few weeks. The college options around this pick wouldn’t save a ton of money, but high schoolers like C Noah Naylor (St. Joan of Arc SS, ON) or C Anthony Seigler (Cartersville HS, GA) might. RHP Ethan Hankins (Forsyth Central HS, GA) had his season disrupted by an injury, but still possesses upside. SS Nander de Sedas (Montverde Academy, FL) also lost some shine on his prospect status and would be a steal here if he bounced back.

Jordyn Adams, OF, Green Hope HS, NC
PBR Draft Board: 30
HIT: 30/45            POWER: 45/55            SPEED: 80/80            DEFENSE: 55/60            ARM: 45/60
Adams has a lean, projectable and athletic frame at 6-foot-2, 185. He is a premium athlete and four to five star recruit as a wide receiver in football. That athleticism shows in the field as he takes long, easy strides on the bases and in center field, chewing up tons of ground and he has the advance footwork to course correct his routes if needed. He has consistently turned in home to first times of 4.0-4.1. He could stand to get better jumps in center field, but that can come with more playing experience and he has the speed and athleticism to make up ground. At the plate, he is behind his peers, but has above-average bat speed and a smooth path. He can get big at times, adding length to his swing and causing some swing and miss, but can drive the ball with authority when he stays short. (Nathan Rode)

Find Adam's full report in the Draft HQ.

Noah Naylor, C, St. Joan of Arc SS, ON
PBR Draft Board: 32
HIT: 40/55            POWER: 40/55            SPEED: 50/50            DEFENSE: 45/55            ARM: 55/60
Naylor is athletic with present strength in a 6-foot, 195-pound frame. Offensively, he hits to all fields and will show power when the opportunity presents itself. He has great knowledge of the strike zone and is a polished hitter who rarely chases with a knack for finding the barrel. The tools are there to catch, as he has quick feet and an agile lower half. He is also a solid defender at third base with soft hands. (Chris Kemlo)

Find Naylor's full report in the Draft HQ.

Anthony Seigler, C, Cartersville HS, GA
PBR Draft Board: 35
HIT: 40/60            POWER: 55/55            SPEED: 45/40            DEFENSE: 40/50            ARM: 60/60
Seigler is a polished, older high school hitter, that has had a highly decorated career both locally and nationally. In terms of skilled athletes he is near the top of the scale. Seigler's polished approach and swing at the plate from both sides, is one the Hatfields and McCoys could agree on. He will always be an offensive catcher, but has the intangibles to lead a staff. (Blake Davis)

Find Seigler's full report in the Draft HQ.

Nander De Sedas, SS, Montverder Academy, FL
PBR Draft Board: 36
HIT: 40/50            POWER: 40/50            SPEED: 40/50            DEFENSE: 40/60            ARM: 55/60
Overall, De Sedas immediately stands out defensively with plus defensive actions and soft hands. He has good range with an average arm and quick release. There is athleticism in his actions, but his overall feel for the position is very apparent. Offensively, he showed an advanced approach, consistently working to the middle of the field. He has a balanced lower half and short, level swing. He works gap-to-gap, but there is plenty of bat speed and strength in the lower half to project above average power. There is more power, yet more swing-and-miss from the right side. He is a more consistent hitter from the left. (Doug Freeman)

Find De Sedas' full report in the Draft HQ.

Ethan Hankins, RHP, Forsyth Central HS, GA
PBR Draft Board: 41
FB: 60/70            CB: 30/30            SL: 30/40            CH: 40/40
Hankins has a long, athletic frame at 6-foot-6, 210 pounds. The arm action is long and quick through a low-3/4 slot. The fastball is electric and lively with arm-side run. In a two-inning pre-draft workout, he was 93-95, touching 96 in the first and then 92-94. Secondary development will be key to Hankins' level of success in pro ball. The fastball is a dominant, swing-and-miss pitch, but he lacks a second average offering. The curveball is 72-74 with early break and 11/5 shape. The slider is a cement mixer at times and more lateral at 76-78. He threw one changeup for a strikeout at 84 with some run.

Find Hankins' full report in the Draft HQ.

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