Kansas City Royals: 3 prospects to keep tabs on in 2020

2. Daniel Lynch, LHP

Daniel Lynch was one of the “fab-five” as they are being called in that 2018 draft class of pitchers selected by the Royals in the first two rounds. The soutpaw out of Virginia was taken with the 34th overall pick a year ago and he’s moved up quickly through the minors. After making just 9 starts in Single-A Lexington last season after the draft, Lynch was promoted to High-A Wilmington to start this season.

He’s made 13 starts there this season and has struck out 62 batters in 67.1 innings while walking just 19 batters. Over his last ten starts, Lynch has a 1.78 ERA in 35.1 innings of work with 32 strikeouts and 11 walks. Currently ranked as the team’s 3rd best prospect, he’s also ranked as the 74th best prospect in baseball.

Scouts really like how developed his pitching arsenal already is:

"“It’s hard not to get excited about how Lynch’s stuff ticked up as a pro, especially considering he nearly reached 140 innings between his junior season at Virginia and his time in the Minor Leagues. At times last summer, Lynch showed flashes of three plus pitches with plus command. He pitched at 94-95 mph consistently with his fastball, touching 97 mph, well up from his amateur velocity. He threw outstanding sliders and a very deceptive changeup while mixing in his average curve ball extremely well. His advanced feel for pitching and conviction of what he’s doing on the mound made it all play up and he came in on right-handed hitters better than most young lefties.” – MLB Pipeline"

Lynch could be on the fast track to Kauffman Stadium but I would expect that he, at the very least, starts 2020 in Double-A NW Arkansas. However, if all goes to plan, he could be a September 1 callup or even earlier depending on the needs in the rotation especially if he’s ready.