State of the KC Royals heading into the 2020 MLB Draft

The 2020 MLB Draft is quickly approaching. In a critical year for the future of the KC Royals organization, which areas should be emphasized?

The 2020 MLB Draft is merely a day away. The pressure is building, and KC Royals fans will soon know who’s joining the organization.

Although Lonnie Goldberg and Dayton Moore don’t have the most impressive draft history as a duo, things may soon be looking up. The Royals’ 2018 draft class, headlined by the “Fab Four” of Brady Singer, Jackson Kowar, Daniel Lynch and Kris Bubic, has had glowing results thus far. Collegiate arms seem to be right up Moore’s alley, and that could come into play again this year.

Recent KC Royals team history:

After sitting around .500 in 2016 and 2017, the past two seasons have not been kind to the Kansas City Royals. They’re coming off back-to-back seasons with at least 100 losses. While the team was supposed to be a bit better this year, it’s entirely possible it could’ve dropped another 100 games in the event of a full season. If we have a baseball season this year (it isn’t looking great), that number won’t be touched again… luckily.

There have been some bright spots in what’s been a rocky past couple of years. Whit Merrifield and Jorge Soler have emerged as two of the better players in all of baseball. Brad Keller remains a productive starter and figures to play a major role in the development of the rotation over the next several campaigns. Adalberto Mondesi, as oft-injured as he is, remains a franchise centerpiece. Hunter Dozier’s breakout has been a pleasant surprise. Things aren’t all doom and gloom.

KC Royals’ 2020 MLB Draft needs:

Bleacher Report ranks the Royals as its No. 9 farm system, with four players making the top 100 overall prospects list. Although MLB.com’s list has the crop of talent sitting at 17th, it’s still a marked improvement over the rankings of the recent past. A system that was built up and subsequently deconstructed in exchange for a championship is slowly rounding back into form.

While pitchers like Asa Lacy, Emerson Hancock and Max Meyer would certainly add to what’s already an impressive collection of talent, the franchise may be best suited to go in another direction. Salvador Perez isn’t going to be behind the plate forever. Maybe drafting his replacement would make sense. The corner infield spots are the weakest on the organizational depth chart and could use an injection of talent. There are more pressing needs than starting pitching, although a team truly cannot have too many quality arms.

Bottom line:

It’s paramount that Moore and Goldberg have a good draft this year. It could make or break the future of the KC Royals. The 2020 MLB Draft presents a good balance of collegiate talent and prep bats to choose from. Even the post-draft phase (see below) should contain plenty of future major leaguers. The 2018 class has helped restore order for a bit, but an equally rough 2020 one could spell doom.

We’ll find out sooner or later. Until then, strap in and enjoy the ride. Kings of Kauffman will be providing ample MLB Draft content over the next few days.