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Kansas City Royals: Prospect Q&A pitcher Tyler Zuber

By Shawn Bauman |
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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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.

(Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

“After I was picked I realized I was the highest pick in school history”

Q: Except for a handful of starts in college you have been primarily a reliever since 2014. Was that the process of converting from a starter in high school and what was the adjustment like?

A: I didn’t really feel much of an adjustment so to say on the field, it was more of a flip in mindset. I got to compete and throw just as if I was a starter, but now I’m throwing in higher leverage situations and more often because I’m not throwing 5+ innings at a time.

Q: What was the feeling like being picked in the 6th round and who made the phone call to you letting you know you were being drafted?

A: It was a surreal feeling getting drafted and especially after I was picked, I realized I was the highest pick in school history. I was spending the day with family and my girlfriend at the time, now fiancé. My scout actually called me, Matt Price.

Q: You are heading to the Dominican Republic this fall for baseball. Do you have specific goals to work towards while you are there and have you heard what to expect in that atmosphere?

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A: The goals I’ve set are to be ready to face better competition so I want to perform well against them. I want to continue to work on fastball command as well as focusing on off-speed location with my curveball and slider. I have heard the atmosphere is unreal. There is a constant noise going on and the fans are into every pitch so I’m excited about that and to see that with my own eyes and to throw under the lights.

(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

“I believe in our organization, I’m excited about what is to come with the Royals!”

Q: What technology has the organization used (or you discovered on your own) that has helped your approach to pitching?

A: I think using Trackman and Rapsodo have helped me realize more about my spin rates to utilize my pitchers better and to focus on where are my strengths (location-wise in the zone and out of the zone) for tunneling purposes of my pitches.

Q: There are obviously some changes coming to the Kansas City Royals organization with a new owner and manager. Do you feel the effects of this?

A: I don’t feel the effects because it’s not something I can control. I believe in our organization, and I believe in the front office’s ability to bring in people with the championship mindset so I’m excited about what is to come with the Royals!

Q: Tell us how faith has helped guide you through your baseball career.

A: I realize that there is more to life than just baseball. I realize that the platform I am on is a platform that many people look up to and view as someone on a pedestal. I am super thankful to the big man upstairs for allowing me to play this game and where I am and I just have to always realize that and be thankful for where I’m at and hopefully where I’m going!

Q: I saw recently you were able to do a Fortnite stream with your alma mater’s eSports program. How much fun was that and how did that come about?

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A: That Fortnite stream was fun! I love to play Fortnite in my off time because it’s something that brings buddies of mine together from all over the world. I actually reached out to them to see if it was possible to play and they were excited about the opportunity and it just kind of happened.

Thank you, Tyler (@TylerZuber) for taking the time to speak with us!

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