Royals add Mississippi starter Taylor Rabe with No. 30 pick in 2026 MLB Draft
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- Royals selected Ole Miss right-handed starter Taylor Rabe with the No. 30 pick.
- Rabe went 5-3 with 105 K in 76 innings and a 3.55 ERA in 2026.
- Rabe averaged a 96 mph fastball, added multiple secondary pitches, and stands 6-foot-6.
The Kansas City Royals had a need for starting pitching ahead of the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft.
On Saturday, the club selected Ole Miss right-handed starter Taylor Rabe with the 30th overall selection in the Competitive Balance Round A portion of the draft.
Rabe, 21, has an electric fastball. It averages 96 mph and has touched triple digits on occasion this season. Additionally, Rabe offers a cutter, slider and a developing changeup in his pitching arsenal.
Rabe finished the 2026 campaign with a 5-3 record in 17 games (11 starts). He recorded 105 strikeouts and issued just 15 walks in 76 innings. He became the Rebels’ Sunday starter and his 3.55 ERA ranked seventh in the Southeastern Conference.
The Royals will appreciate his 7.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio — which ranked fourth in the country. Additionally, Rabe has the physical traits to move quickly through the system. He stands at 6-foot-6 and can pound the strike zone with a repeatable delivery.
Rabe showcased his elite potential for the Rebels. In his last six starts, Rabe recorded seven or more strikeouts against top-tier SEC competition. He struck out 14 batters against Texas A&M on May 9 and 13 batters against Alabama on May 15.
It’s possible Rabe could rise quickly in the Royals system. There is precedence as the Royals recently elevated 2025 MLB Draft selection Justin Lamkin to Double-A Northwest Arkansas after a strong start to his pro career.
The Royals have struggled to find true swing-and-miss starters. Guys such as Cole Ragans and Luinder Avila have displayed that potential at the big-league level. And the lower levels feature KC top prospects Kendry Chourio and David Shields.
However, the Royals have always valued top-tier starters. Rabe fits the mold as one of the highest-rising collegiate pitchers. His penchant for strikeouts could have him on the fast track towards the majors in a few seasons.
Rabe is the second Royals selection in the 2026 MLB Draft. He follows Louisville outfielder Zion Rose, who was taken sixth overall in the first round.
The Royals will continue Day 1 of the MLB Draft with three more selections: No. 56 (2nd round), No. 91 (third round) and No. 119 (fourth round).
