Royals: 5 prospects who could join big league club in 2020

With the Kansas City Royals still at least one season away from being legitimate again, it could be time to see how some rising stars perform.

One of many successful ingredients into the rise of the 2013-2015 seasons for the Kansas City Royals was the patience they exhibited with their core group of younger players. As we have the next batch of talented stars working through their way through the minors (and collecting titles along the way), it is important to not rush them. However, they also need to start getting their feet wet at the major league level.

Unless there is a combination of injuries, horrible spring trainings by current 40 man players, and/or over the top performances by the young stars, I do not see any of the players on this list starting out with the big league club. As the season progresses though, a lack of winning on the field could be the perfect opportunity to bring them in and see what they can do.

Since it is rare to see the jump from Single-A to majors, the players selected here have had at least part of a season at Double-A Northwest Arkansas and spent at least two years playing college baseball or a few minor league seasons under their belt. This gives them a leg up as they are slightly more mature and ready to handle the expectations.

None of the following players are now on the 40-man roster either so it will take a long-term injury, trade or a designated for assignment to have them added and eligible for promotion. Since pitching is a large problem, a majority of these players are hurlers as well.

The list is not presented in any particular order, it is meant to address what the needs are of the Kansas City Royals and players who would be ready for the transition.  All players were selected from MLB’s list of top prospects for each team.