Checking in Royals 2026 draftees who have already made their pro debuts

After missing the playoffs in 2025, the Royals lucked out in the MLB draft lottery for 2026, jumping from 13th-best odds to the sixth pick in the draft. As a whole, they ended up with 21 picks in the draft because of the Competitive Balance Round A pick they received.

So far, six of the 21 have made professional debuts, plus one undrafted free agent: four pitchers and three hitters. Here's what they have done so far.

How Royals' draftees have begun their pro careers

1st round pick - OF Zion Rose

The 21-year-old outfielder from the University of Kentucky has had a solid start to his pro career. The Royals sent Rose right to High-A, where he's played 15 games. So far, the righty is hitting .273 with a .403 on-base percentage. The only thing that hasn't translated yet has been his 55-grade power, with just three extra-base hits. He's shown off his speed, though, swiping 12 bags.

5th round pick - LHP Ethan McElvain

The University of Arkansas alum joined Rose in High-A and has seen success out of the bullpen. In 6 2/3 innings, McElvain has yet to allow a run, giving up three hits, three walks, and striking out five. All of his walks came in one outing as well.

6th round pick - LHP Justin LeGuernic

The lefty reliever from Clemson has really struggled in his first foray into pro ball. In his first six appearances, LeGuernic has a 14.29 ERA and 3.18 WHIP with opponents hitting .414 against him. He does have eight strikeouts, but also six walks.

9th round pick - SS Camden Johnson

After winning the National Championship with the University of Oklahoma, Johnson hasn't adjusted to pro ball well. In 18 games in Low-A, the lefty is hitting .208 with a .631 OPS. Johnson has struck out 24 times, but does have eight walks and 10 stolen bases.

10th Round pick - RHP Grant Fontenot

Fontenot only has two relief appearances in Low-A, getting assigned there on August 25. The 23-year-old hasn't allowed a run in two innings of work, giving up two hits and two walks without a strikeout.

13th round pick - RHP Dalton Hill

The Nicholls State alum has pitched eight innings in Low-A to the tune of a 4.50 ERA. He has five strikeouts to three walks (and two hit batsmen), giving up nine hits and blowing one save.

UDFA - SS Ben North

The 23-year-old has seen more success in his short career than any of the draftees through the end of August. North is hitting .262 with a 1.010 OPS in 12 High-A games. He's got five home runs, six walks, and two stolen bases. He already has two games where he's reached base three times.

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