Most improved prospects heading into 2020 for KC Royals

Following two decent years, Tyler Zuber’s stock went into the stratosphere following the 2019 season.

A sixth-round pick out of Arkansas State in 2017, Tyler Zuber had promising numbers in 2017 and 2018.  He was a reliever in college and continued that role for the KC Royals organization.

For 2019, Zuber became lights out no matter what team he was pitching for.  Before being promoted to the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on June 20th, he was mowing down batters in the Carolina League.

In 21 appearances for Wilmington, Zuber saved 11 games, struck out 38 in 29 1/3 innings, held hitters to a .160 average and kept his WHIP below 1.00.  A minuscule 1.23 ERA also was part of his dominance.

The move to Double-A did not slow him down at all.  He pitched in 22 games, saved another 10 contests, his WHIP dropped to 0.88 and he continued to confuse batters who could only muster a .205 average.

Arkansas State alum Tyler Zuber made his Royals Spring Training debut today.Struck out 2 of the 3 batters he faced in the 7th inning.Credited with a hold as Kansas City beat the Padres 8-5.

Posted by Region 8 Sports on Monday, February 24, 2020

Comparing the full season of 2018 and 2019 is like night and day.  The ERA dropped by 2.09 points, the WHIP fell by 0.30 and hitters hit 70 points less.  It is easy to see why the Royals made him a non-roster invitee this spring.

Against the Padres in his first spring training game with the big league club, Zuber pitched one inning, striking out two and allowing no base runners.  For a team desperate for relievers, he could be a future closer with the Royals.