How the Royals plan to attack the 2025 MLB Draft — with multiple top-30 picks
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Royals hold No. 23 and 28 picks, aiming to bolster roster via 2025 MLB Draft.
- Prep shortstops and collegiate bats highlight top targets for early selections.
- Scouting director Bridges eyes value over need to boost farm system depth.
The Kansas City Royals are prepared for a high-octane 2025 MLB Draft.
And for good reason.
The Royals will select twice within the first 30 picks. KC holds the No. 23 and No. 28 selections after making the postseason last year. The latter selection is a Prospect Promotion Incentive pick as a result of Bobby Witt Jr. finishing second for the 2024 American League MVP Award.
“Whatever I’ve got to do at 23 and 28, I will do to make the Royals a better organization,” scouting director Brian Bridges said. “Those are very important picks. I don’t see me going under slot, and I don’t see me going crazy over slot. We will be aggressive in the MLB Draft for sure.”
The 2025 MLB Draft will be conducted on July 13 in Atlanta. It will be spread across two days during the All-Star Break. Day 1 includes Rounds 1-3 and the competitive balance selections.
First round coverage will begin at 5 p.m. Central on ESPN and MLB Network. Day 2 coverage features Rounds 4-20 and will be streamed on MLB.com starting at 10:30 a.m. Central on July 14.
Bridges will conduct his second draft with the organization. His previous track record includes stops with the Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants. Last season, Bridges selected Jac Caglianone with the sixth overall pick.
He also took a chance on high-level prep prospect David Shields and a host of collegiate pitchers. Shields eschewed signing with the University of Miami and has a 2.43 ERA in eight games with Single-A Columbia this season.
Caglianone, of course, is currently with the Royals. He made his MLB debut in June after dominating the minors.
“You never know how the MLB Draft goes until it starts,” Bridges said. “You know, our two choices last year were (Bryce) Rainer or (Jac) Caglianone. And we got him.”
How is the 2025 MLB Draft different?
Bridges expects the 2025 draft to be heavy on prep shortstops. That spot, which requires elevated athleticism, is among the most valuable in baseball. Expect multiple organizations to be looking that way.
“It’s really the strength of the draft,” Bridges said.
The Royals will convene early next week to set their big board. Bridges expects the group to line up around 80 draft-eligible players in the early rounds. KC also has pick No. 61 in the second round and No. 71 in the Competitive Balance Round B.
From there, the Royals have a singular pick in each round from 3-20.
“That first day is very important to our organization,” Bridges said.
What do the Royals need?
The Royals could use some bats. The club has struggled to score and the minor-league system may look to add more options. Right now, there are intriguing prospects in the lower levels.
It’s possible Bridges could look to a high-level prep bat or an established collegiate position player. There is flexibility to pursue both with KC having two top-30 selections.
“The most important part is lining up the first 30 (players) because we have two picks in the first 30 selections,” Bridges said. “So as long as you line those up right, you are going to get two of them.”
Bridges is plenty familiar with the overall scouting landscape. He has deep roots scouting the Southeast and that afforded him the opportunity to draft Austin Riley, Craig Kimbrel and Jason Heyward with the Braves.
Now with the Royals, Bridges intends to be aggressive in keeping top prospects in the area close to home. The Royals found success in drafting local products Noah Cameron and Carter Jensen in recent years.
“It’s our backyard and I don’t want to get beat in our backyard,” Bridges said. “I have two backyards to worry about (Bridges lives in Georgia). I don’t want to lose here and I darn sure don’t want to lose in the greater Kansas City area and the surrounding area. I want players that have the ability to play for the Kansas City Royals and help us win our next championship.”
There isn’t a consensus top prospect this season. Some MLB teams favor prep shortstop Ethan Holiday atop the draft class. He is the son of former MLB star Matt Holiday and the younger brother of Baltimore Orioles standout Jackson Holiday.
Other notable names include a trio of left-handed pitchers Kade Anderson (LSU), Liam Doyle (Tennessee) and Jamie Arnold (Florida State).
Bridges says the Royals will take the top-rated player remaining on the board, rather than drafting for a specific position or pressing need.
“I’m not going to walk away from a good player,” Bridges said. “You never draft because of need. You start drafting because of need, you put yourself in a bad situation.”
Which players could be available?
The Royals will select within a sweet spot late in the first round. This is a spot where collegiate bats are generally available.
A name to watch is Texas A&M outfielder Jace LaViolette. He offers a similar profile as Caglianone in terms of raw power and immense size.
LaViolette is billed at 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds. He hit .258 with 18 home runs, 61 RBIs and a 1.003 OPS (on-base plus slugging). Additionally, LaViolette posted 57 walks and just 66 strikeouts.
Prior to the 2025 season, LaViolette was considered a potential top selection. However, his stock fell due to swing-and-miss concerns. He could interest the Royals given his toolsy profile and KC’s need to add an impact bat.
LaViolette played in the SEC against top competition. He set a school record with 68 home runs and 169 walks in his career.
If Bridges decides to go the prep route, there are a few prospects that could be available.
Left-handed prep pitcher Kruz Schoolcraft has drawn consideration from multiple teams. He stands at 6-foot-8 and already has a mid-90s fastball. He starred at Sunset High School in Sunset, Oregon, and was named the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year.
Schoolcraft is committed to the University of Tennessee. He posted an 0.52 ERA with 82 strikeouts in 40 innings.
Meanwhile, prep infielders Sean Gamble and Daniel Pierce could be in play. Gamble played at IMG Academy but is a Des Moines, Iowa native.
Gamble hit .413 with 31 hits, four home runs and 30 RBIs. He posted an .840 slugging percentage. He has a repeatable left-handed swing and can hit the baseball to all fields.
Additionally, Gamble can play multiple positions. He has the ability to play in the outfield and is currently committed to Vanderbilt.
Pierce starred at Mill Creek High School in Hoschton, Georgia. He is projected to go a little higher than where the Royals are selecting.
Still, there are some desirable traits. Pierce has a contact and speed combination that the Royals typically like in their young prospects. There is also hope he can add more power as he grows into his frame.
Pierce is committed to the University of Georgia. He stands at 6-foot and 180 pounds.
The Royals want to get the right players with their additional picks. The goal is to build a top-10 farm system and it starts with the 2025 MLB Draft.
“I’m not going to sit there and worry about saving a penny,” Bridges said. “I’m not going to be worried about the next pick. I’m going to worry about them as every pick falls through.”
