KC Royals Prospects: Minor league clubs set to go

The KC Royals will have a good collection of prospects playing Class A ball.

Don’t scour the Internet for news about Kansas City Class A teams Wilmington and Lexington this summer—they’re gone, replaced by new High-A franchise Quad Cities and A club Columbia. And the Royals are treating fans of the River Bandits and Fireflies to some good prospects.

For example, under manager Chris Widger’s tutelage at Quad Cities will be Kansas City’s top 2020 draft choice, pitcher Asa Lacy, Pipeline’s third top club prospect. His teammates will include other Pipeline-ranked prospects Zach Haake (19th), Will Klein (27th) and 40-man roster member Angel Zerpa (29th).

Outfielder Seuly Matias, a fan favorite and Pipeline’s 17th-ranked Kansas City prospect who slashed .357/.438/.714 in 12 Cactus League games this spring, also opens at Quad Cities, as does Nick Loftin (7th). Loftin was the Royals’ second pick in last June’s draft and he played in 11 games this spring training as a non-roster invitee. No. 22 prospect Tyler Gentry is on the roster as an outfielder.

Righthanded pitcher Ben Hernandez (15th) heads the list of Pipeline-rated prospects who’ll play for manager Brooks Conrad at Columbia. Joining Hernandez are infielder Brady McConnell (20th) and outfielder Darryl Collins (23rd).

Who doesn’t appear on the KC Royals’ farm system rosters for 2021?

Not to be found on any of the KC Royals’ minor league rosters is pitcher Daniel Tillo, who’s working his way back from last July’s Tommy John surgery and isn’t expected to pitch until sometime this summer.

Other notable absences are outfielder Erick Pena and pitcher Austin Cox, who are working in extended spring training.

Veteran pitcher Eric Skoglund’s name also isn’t on any of the rosters.

The KC Royals’ minor league clubs open their seasons Tuesday. Their fans will have a plethora of fine players to watch.