Kansas City Royals: Prospect Q&A pitcher Tyler Zuber

If Tyler Zuber is not on your radar for a spot in the Kansas City Royals bullpen soon, he should be. He dominated two levels of pro ball this summer and I had a chance to talk to him.

Tyler Zuber was born and raised in White Hall, Arkansas. His hometown high school team won a state championship in his junior year. After four years at Arkansas State University where he struck out 80 batters in 52 plus innings his senior year, the Kansas Royals grabbed him in the 6th round of the 2017 MLB draft. Primarily in a closer role throughout his different levels in the minors, he blazed through hitters in the Carolina and Texas Leagues in 2019.

Recording 21 saves, posting a 0.94 WHIP and holding batters to a .181 average were just a few of his jaw-dropping numbers. He is headed to the Tigres del Licey to play in the Dominican Baseball League in a few short days. Outside of these accomplishments, he is a solid young man who was gracious enough to answer questions for us.

Q: You were born in and played high school ball in White Hall, Arkansas, and then college at Arkansas State and in 2019 spent part of the season with Northwest Arkansas. Were you able to catch up with family, friends or former coaches while in Springdale this summer?

A: Yes, I was able to catch up with several family members and friends in NWA, but a lot of them came when we made the trips to face the Travelers in Little Rock which is 30 min away from my home so that was nice.

Q: Between the two levels of ball this year your numbers are very impressive. Did you make any adjustments in the off-season that was key to your success this season?

A: I focused on trying to gaining a few extra ticks on my velocity so I could have a better fastball to get past people. I also focused on using my body to help that case so my arm took less stress and to help add control.