KC Royals add pitching prospects to the player pool

The young pitching arms are continuing to make their way forward with the Royals. While fans might not see them all in 2020, it’s hope for the future.

It seems to be the year of young players in the KC Royals organization. There are plenty of veteran players who are established that continue to play well, but it seems that every time we turn around, another young name is making a debut, or being added to the roster in some form, be it the active 28 man, or the 60 man player pool.

With some room in the 60 man pool, the Royals have continued making a push with their young pitching talent and have added Asa Lacy and Carlos Hernandez, both high pitching prospects for the Royals organization.

Lacy (ranked 2nd among Royals prospects), many may remember, was just recently drafted by the Royals as the 4th overall pick in the 2020 draft. While he doesn’t have any professional experience to go off of due to COVID keeping the minor leagues shut down, it’s obvious the Royals have big hopes for him.

Lacy was one of the top-rated arms available in the draft and a steal for Kansas City at number 4. Lacy uses 4 different pitches, a fastball, slider, curve, and changeup, all of which are decently rated, to throw off hitters. He needs to continue improving his control, but as a left-handed pitcher with a high ceiling, the Royals won’t overlook him.

While there is always some chance in this strange season that Lacy could see some major league innings, it’s more likely that he will spend his time working at the alternate training site. The Royals likely won’t want to rush him too much, especially since he has never played above college ball.

Carlos Hernandez (12th ranked Royals prospect) has had some time in the minors, though he has not played above A ball. Hernandez signed with Kansas City out of Venezuela in 2016 and started to move his way through the Royals system.

Hernandez offers a grat fastball that sits in the mid-upper 90’s and can touch 100 at times along with a decent curveball. He can throw a slider and changeup, but he needs more work to make these pitches more effective.

Hernandez definitely has something to offer and though he has played as a starter, could find a good spot in the bullpen with a fastball that has great velocity. Hernandez is another that needs time, though. He could likely find a spot in the major leagues if needed, but he must continue to work on his control as he has struggled at times with walks.

While it’s more likely that both of these pitchers will spend their time at the alternate training site getting some reps in, there is always a slight chance that they could see a few major league innings, though it would more than likely be out of necessity.

Either way, it is great to see young arms continuing to make their way through the Royals system and provide a great look at what is to come for the future in Kansas City.

Both Asa Lacy and Carlos Hernandez and found themselves on the 60 man player pool. While they are likely there just to ensure they get continued work without a minor league season, there is no telling what could happen in this short 2020 season.