Royals select high school outfielder Dominic Battista in 4th round of MLB Draft
The Kansas City Royals concluded Day 1 of the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft by selecting an emerging high-school outfielder.
The Royals took prep center fielder Dominic Battista with the No. 119 selection in the fourth round on Saturday afternoon.
Battista starred at Oswego East High School in Oswego, Illinois. He posted a .242 batting average in 24 games in 2026. And his senior season started late due to a broken hamate bone that cost him 13 games.
However, several MLB evaluators see an intriguing path to the majors. Battista is coming into his own as a hitter but has defensive instincts and speed. There is a chance he develops more power from the left-side as he matures physically.
The Royals will look to sign Battista in the upcoming weeks. He is committed to the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC).
In recent drafts, the Royals have favored high-school athletes. Last season, the club drafted Sean Gamble and Josh Hammond early in the 2025 MLB Draft. Both players have adjusted well to professional baseball in recent months.
Battista has a chance to do the same. He is a developmental prospect that will likely spend years in the lower levels of the minors. If he can put it all together, he could become a prospect to watch in the next three to four years.
The Royals made five selections on Saturday afternoon. The club selected Zion Rose (No. 6), Taylor Rabe (No. 30), Jack Slightom (No. 56) and Maxx Yehl (No. 91).
On Sunday, the Royals have 16 selections across rounds 5-20 to conclude the 2026 MLB Draft.
This story was originally published July 11, 2026 at 6:29 PM.
