The Kansas City Royals face a pressing challenge as they aim to strengthen their offensive lineup. Although Bobby Witt Jr. continues to demonstrate All-Star level talent, his production has declined from the exceptional performance he showed earlier in the 2024 season. Relying heavily on Witt alone has not been enough to secure wins, signaling an urgent need to acquire new offensive players to back him up.
Royal Prospects and Development Uncertainties
Looking beyond the present, the Royals are counting on promising young prospects, especially their top-rated player Jac Caglianone, to develop into key contributors. However, the transition for Caglianone to have an immediate and sustained impact remains uncertain. The overall depth of the Royals’ farm system is concerning, with few standout prospects outside of the catcher position. This lack of depth intensifies the importance of the upcoming Major League Baseball Draft as the franchise seeks to add strong hitting talent to secure its future.
Josh Hammond Emerges as a Key Draft Target
Among the potential draftees, Josh Hammond, a third baseman from North Carolina, has gained attention as a significant candidate for the Royals’ 23rd pick in the draft. Analyst Kiley McDaniel highlighted Hammond as a likely choice for Kansas City, noting similarities to Austin Riley, who was once drafted by Royals scouting director Brian Bridges during his days with the Atlanta Braves. This comparison reflects the Royals’ strategic intent to select players capable of quickly contributing at the big-league level.
Hammond’s all-around skills have garnered strong marks across all five tools evaluated by MLB.com’s pre-draft scouting reports. His arm strength stands out with a score of 65 on the standard 20-to-80 grading scale, making him a valuable defensive option. At 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, Hammond combines size and power that are ideal for a corner infielder, traits that are highly beneficial given the spacious outfield dimensions of Kauffman Stadium.
Draft Day and Future Planning
As the Royals approach the MLB Draft’s opening round scheduled for July 13 in Atlanta, the central focus remains on enhancing offensive production. Choosing Hammond would represent a critical move to complement Bobby Witt Jr. and improve the team’s overall lineup depth. However, the Royals will also seek improvements in other areas, including prep pitching and shortstops in later rounds, reflecting the team’s commitment to addressing multiple roster needs and pursuing a balanced rebuild.
Long-Term Outlook for the Royals’ Offensive Prospects
The Kansas City Royals stand at a significant crossroads, with Bobby Witt Jr. serving as the linchpin of their lineup. Yet, constructing a more potent offense requires overcoming multiple obstacles. The upcoming draft offers a crucial opportunity to infuse the organization with fresh, young talent capable of shaping the franchise’s future. The selections made during the draft will have lasting effects, potentially transforming the Royals into a more competitive force in Major League Baseball.