These 2 Royals prospects from ‘the next wave’ could get extended look this spring

Ben Kudrna reached for his phone. As he scanned a list of contacts, his emotions were pulsating uncontrollably.

He had news to share.

A few seconds earlier, the Kansas City Royals dropped a major bombshell over the phone. Kudrna was going to be placed on their 40-man roster — a significant step toward reaching the major leagues.

“I can’t remember what month it was,” Kudrna recalled, “but (Royals director of player development) Mitch (Maier) called me. Obviously, my parents were waiting around. We kind of knew when the timing was, so I called them first. Kind of kept it under wraps until it was announced. And then, everyone else kind of found out.”

Kudrna, 23, is no stranger to Kauffman Stadium. As a kid, he’d make the short drive from Overland Park, Kansas with his family to watch his favorite team in action. He also took pride in representing Kansas City as a young fan growing up.

That KC pride followed him throughout his adolescence. Kudrna starred at Blue Valley Southwest High and was selected in the second round of the 2021 MLB Draft by his hometown squad.

The Royals loved his pitching makeup. As a result, he rose quickly through the KC minor-league system while posting high marks across the board.

Last season, Kudrna had a 4.21 ERA in 94 innings with Double-A Northwest Arkansas. In September, he earned a promotion to Triple-A Omaha for the final stretch of the year.

Now, Kudrna is ready to seize his opportunity this spring.

“It’s a dream come true,” he said. “You know, now being here, I look at it as a big opportunity to learn. You’ve got guys that have been there and done that. They have illustrious careers, and you don’t stay in this game that long unless you’re doing the right things.”

Kudrna plans to continue working with the veterans in camp this spring. His focus remains set on refining a pitching repertoire that includes a four-seam fastball and changeup.

The Royals will likely give him more opportunities than he otherwise might have seen because starters Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha are taking part in the World Baseball Classic at the end of the month. That spotlight allows Kudrna a chance to further impress on the mound.

“I feel like I’ve been talking about it for four or five years now,” Kudrna said of his Royals journey. “But, yeah no question, obviously getting up to Triple-A last year was a big step. And now I feel like we’re in a good spot this year, where it’s kind of play your way and help out the team in whatever role it may be if they need it.”

Another Royals prospect received a similarly unexpected call. The Royals added Steven Zobac to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.

“It was amazing,” Zobac said of learning he would be heading to Surprise. “I think the first train of thought was that I get to go to big-league camp as a roster invite this year. So that was pretty exciting.”

Zobac, 25, dealt with a knee injury last season. As a result, he was limited to 14 starts across two minor-league levels. His numbers were inflated, but the Royals know his true value can skyrocket when he is healthy.

They need look no further than the 2024 season for proof of that. Zobac was the Royals’ organizational pitcher of the year after compiling a 3.64 ERA. He had 123 strikeouts in 126 innings while demonstrating plus command with his fastball and slider.

“Just knowing that the Royals have my back and knowing that they trust in me and see my ability past this last year was just a huge eye-opening experience for how much they care for their players and care for me,” Zobac said.

Zobac is another prospect who could thrive under the spotlight. His 2026 goals haven’t changed: He’s eager to make his big-league debut.

“I hope to make the big-league team,” Zobac said. “I have to get on the 26-man (roster) as the sky’s the limit. I think, for me, it’s stay healthy. That’s like the main goal for myself and it’s easier said than done sometimes.”

On Friday, Zobac threw his first live batting practice. He faced a host of veteran Royals, including stars Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez. The experience was no doubt worthwhile as Zobac looks to build momentum ahead of Cactus League play.

“I was pumped,” Zobac said. “I would’ve been pumped regardless of who I faced, but just to be able to face those guys, the ones I grew up watching like Salvy and stuff, it’s just an absolute honor. ...

“But I’ve got some work to do. It didn’t end up the way I wanted it to, but I was in the (strike) zone consistently. The body felt good and that’s all you can ask for with your first (outing).”

Royals manager Matt Quatraro will continue to evaluate both pitchers. He is intrigued to see their growth this spring.

“We were fortunate that we saw them a little bit last spring,” Quatraro said. “Steven got hurt a little bit early in camp, but we feel really good about those guys. We hope they are a part of the next wave of development that comes through and are a big part of us winning on the field.”

Both players understand that their success is tied to being just one phone call away. That’s the beauty, and anxiety, of being so close to living out a lifelong dream.

“It’s whatever way you can help win a championship, right,” Kudrna said. “That’s the ultimate goal. And obviously, for me, being a Royals fan growing up and seeing that once — to have the opportunity to be a part of that in whatever role that may be — the pride I take in that alone is substantially larger than a lot of things I’ve done in life.”