Kansas City Royals Prospect Review: Five to Watch in 2015

Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Finnegan

Brandon Finnegan took the baseball world by storm last season during the Royals push to the postseason. Drafted 17th overall in the 2014 MLB Amateur Draft, Finnegan dominated during his rapid ascension through the minors, posting a 1.33 ERA and a 0.889 WHiP, striking out 26 batters in 27 innings. he continued to pitch well in the majors, allowing only one run on six hits and a walk, striking out ten in his seven innings of work. Suddenly, the Royals had the lefty reliever they had sought all season.

Despite being a part of the competition to be one of the lefty relievers this season, Finnegan will be back in the minors, slated to be stretched back out as a starter. Considering the success he had in relief last season, it is not unreasonable to think that he would be able to perform well in starting role.

While it may not be the exact same path that David Price or Adam Wainwright took towards becoming a top of the rotation starter, this may benefit Brandon Finnegan. After all, unlike the aforementioned Price and Wainwright, Finnegan had not started in the minors before finding September and October success as a rookie. Perhaps within another year or two, he will be ready to reestablish himself at the major league level.

Along with other prospects like Sean Manaea, Miguel Almonte and Zimmer, Finnegan could be a part of the next wave of young starters coming to Kansas City. Even if that plan does not pan out, Finnegan could end up as a nice piece in the bullpen, a solid lefty who can strikeout out the opposition.

Next: KC Royals, Yordano Ventura Close to Extension