Why Royals moved 2 prospects to their 40-man roster — ahead of important deadline
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Royals added RHPs Ben Kudrna and Steven Zobac to 40-man roster before Rule 5 deadline.
- Kudrna progressed to Triple-A in 2025; prospect status gains depth and MLB option.
- Zobac battled injuries in 2025 but remains a control-focused pitching prospect.
The Kansas City Royals added two players to their 40-man roster just ahead of the Rule 5 Draft deadline on Tuesday.
The Royals protected minor-league pitchers Ben Kudrna and Steven Zobac. Both pitchers were eligible for the Rule 5 Draft if not added to the major league reserve list.
Kudrna, 22, is among the Royals’ top pitching prospects. He posted a 5.30 ERA in 24 games (22 starts) across to minor-league levels.
In 2025, Kudrna made the jump from Double-A to Triple-A Omaha. He appeared in 11 1/3 innings with the Omaha Storm Chasers — while posting mixed results.
It’s likely Kudrna will continue in Omaha to begin the 2026 campaign. The Royals like his pitching arsenal as he was named the organization’s pitcher of the year in 2022. He also was selected for the SiriusXM Futures Game in 2024.
The Royals have a surplus of starting pitching depth. It’s likely Kudrna will continue to develop in Triple-A for the foreseeable future. However, Kudrna is now poised to be an available option — should the Royals deal from their starting depth or have a string of injuries.
Kudrna could be the next homegrown Royals pitcher to debut. He is a Shawnee Mission native and was drafted in 2021 out of Blue Valley Southwest High School.
Zobac, 25, is also a top Royals prospect. He posted a 7.25 ERA in 14 minor-league starts.
The Royals like Zobac’s overall makeup. He throws strikes and has elevated through the system.
In 2024, Zobac was terrific with a 3.64 ERA — which landed him the Royals’ pitcher of the year award.
While injuries derailed his 2025 campaign, Zobac is someone to watch as the Royals move forward next season. The Royals now have 39 players on their 40-man roster.
