The Royals' 2026 MLB Draft: A High School Pitching Focus
The Kansas City Royals' first day of the 2026 MLB Draft was an intriguing one, with a clear focus on high school pitching talent. With the 56th, 91st, and 119th picks, the Royals selected three pitchers and one hitter, all of whom have the potential to make an impact in the future.
One thing that immediately stands out is the Royals' decision to prioritize pitching over other positions. In my opinion, this is a smart move, as pitching is often the most important factor in a team's success. The Royals' three picks all have the potential to become solid starters or relievers, which is a great sign for the team's future.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the Royals' willingness to take risks on high school talent. The 56th pick, Jack Slightom, is a right-handed pitcher from Lyons Township High School who has the potential to become a solid starter. His fastball velocity climbed from the upper 80s to the mid-90s over the last year, and he has a side-step delivery and a low arm slot that provides some deception. While he is viewed as more of a dev project than a guy who comfortably projects to have multiple plus pitches, his potential is certainly there.
The 91st pick, Maxx Yehl, is another pitcher who has the potential to make an impact. Yehl dominated in the Big 12, striking out 27.9% of batters en route to a 2.13 ERA. He is a left-handed pitcher who thrives on deception, with a fastball that generates above-average to plus carry even with a relatively low slot. While he is not particularly physically projectable, developing a change is a potential path forward, and he looks like an intriguing early-round flier.
The 119th pick, Dominic Battista, is a left-handed hitter with some speed. Battista has raw power and is an excellent runner with above-average arm strength, which makes him a profile some consider fit for center field long-term. However, he will need to continue to assure scouts on the hit tool this spring, as he has struggled with strikeout woes in the past.
In my opinion, the Royals' draft picks show a clear focus on pitching and high school talent. While it remains to be seen if these players will live up to their potential, the Royals have certainly taken a risk worth taking. The team's future looks bright, and I am excited to see how these players develop over the next few years.
One thing that many people don't realize is that the Royals' draft picks are just the beginning. The team will need to continue to develop these players and provide them with the resources they need to succeed. The Royals' front office will need to be smart in their approach to player development, and I am confident that they will be able to make the most of these young talents.
