Royals prospect Blake Mitchell reflects on first experience in big-league camp
After an extensive pre-draft process, the Kansas City Royals were convinced catching prospect Blake Mitchell was a special talent.
Mitchell, selected No. 8 overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, has all the tools to move quickly through the Royals system. He is quick defensively and has advanced hitting metrics at the catching position.
Royals vice president of scouting Danny Ontiveros raved about Mitchell’s potential. He called him one of best draft-eligible high school catchers he’s seen.
“You talk about just all facets of this game,” Ontiveros said after the 2023 draft. “I mean, he’s intelligent. He’s got makeup. He’s tough. He’s built right. It’s a double-plus arm. He can hit. He can hit for power. He runs. He just did everything.”
Mitchell finished his first full professional season in 2024. He hit .238 with 18 home runs and 50 RBIs in Single-A with the Columbia Fireflies. He posted an .815 OPS (on-base plus slugging) with 25 stolen bases.
The Royals promoted Mitchell to High-A Quad Cities at the end of the season. Now, Mitchell is getting a taste of big-league camp.
Mitchell is among 11 prospects experiencing their first MLB spring training. He reported early alongside Royals pitchers and catchers.
It’s been a rewarding journey.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Mitchell said. “I’m just looking forward to learning from all the guys that are here and all the experience that they have. It’s fun getting to sit back there and catch. I caught (Lucas) Erceg on (Saturday) and it was pretty cool. I also have (Michael) Wacha’s live.”
Mitchell has ramped his production throughout camp. He recently had his tonsils removed in late January and is getting up to speed with his teammates. He was able to do defensive work and hit off a pitching machine.
The Royals will get him to full speed soon. He is able to take batting practice and is gradually working his way to facing live pitchers.
“Yeah, he feels good,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “You know, as we normally do, we are going to be cautious as you build him up so you don’t push him too hard. But he is chomping at the bit to get going.”
Mitchell ranks 48th among MLB.com’s top 100 prospects. He is joined in Royals camp by fellow top-100 prospects Jac Caglianone (No. 22) and Carter Jensen (No. 86).
Mitchell and Caglianone are roommates this spring. They played together in High-A Quad Cities and have a strong relationship.
“He is a great guy and a great player,” Mitchell said of Caglianone. “He’s just going to continue to get better. So it’s good being around him, seeing how he works.”
In the meantime, Mitchell looks forward to making the most of his opportunity. He has a few personal goals, but his main objective is to get better each day.
“Just continue to move up,” Mitchell said. “You know, hopefully get promoted at some point during the season to the next level. I think that would be pretty cool. I just want to continue to get better, continue to learn and continue to show the Royals that I can go out there and play good baseball.”
