3 KC Royals Top-30 prospects with perfect starts to the 2024 season

22. Hunter Owen

Kansas City drafted Hunter Owen, a right-handed pitcher from Vanderbilt University, in the fourth round of this past draft. Owen had first-round stuff and collegiate performance, but health and durability concerns impacted his draft stock. His loss could be the Royals' gain, though, and he is outperforming his competition with the High-A Quad Cities River Bandits.

Owen has an imposing mound presence, standing 6 feet 6 inches. The righty hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in any of his four starts, currently sporting a 1.96 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. Owen capped off his April with a one-hit, six-inning shutout win over the Beloit Sky Carp, striking out six in the process. His 3.83 K/BB ratio is exactly what the River Bandits staff needs, while he has only allowed one home run this season.

Owen sports a strong four-pitch mix, headlined by his slider. His low walk amount this season backs up his control, which had been a concern during his collegiate career.

Owen did not pitch following the 2023 MLB draft due to an undisclosed injury. The righty should not last long in High-A, clearly overmatching his opposition so far this season. Double-A will be Owen's true benchmark, putting his pitching arsenal to the test.

18. Will Klein

Royals fans have already seen reliever Will Klein be effective at the MLB level this year, so his Triple-A dominance should come as no surprise. The 2023 Futures Game participant is doing everything within his power, trying to return to the MLB bullpen. However, Kansas City's roster decisions are the Storm Chasers' gain, giving them the most dominant reliever in Triple-A.

Klein already has 12 appearances this year, with all but two outings being single-inning affairs. It amazes me that Klein did not allow an earned run this season until May 5, a solo home run by MLB veteran David Peralta. Outside of that blemish, Klein has been elite in the Omaha bullpen. His .93 WHIP only trails lefty Walter Pennington's mark in Omaha. Plus, his meager 0.64 ERA is the lowest mark among any Royals minor-league player with at least 10 appearances.

Klein's 3.91 FIP raises some concern due to ongoing walk issues. But his 70-grade fastball remains elite, while the slider and curveball are just good enough to keep the opposition off balance. Klein's bright red, bushy beard would make Groundskeeper Willie blush and visibly add to his mound presence. Yes, a beard matters in late-inning baseball.

I'm not sure what Klein needs to do for another shot at The Show. He absolutely deserves another one, even if he is a setup man. This season, he has the second-most saves in the International League, already surpassing his 2023 save total. The Royals value the roster flexibility that Klein offers, but he needs to be in Kauffman sooner rather than later.

10. Carter Jensen

In the third round of the 2021 MLB Draft, the Royals selected catcher Carter Jensen from Park Hill Senior High in Park Hill, Missouri, bringing Jensen to his hometown organization. Ever since joining affiliated baseball, Jensen has done nothing but show a solid plate approach and get on base. He will continue to do so in 2024, but now he is hitting with more power for the River Bandits.

Jensen is posting a .326/.472/.495 slash line through 27 games, good for a .967 OPS and a career-high 173 wRC+. The lefty is lighting it up in Quad Cities, walking more than he is striking out with nine extra-base hits in 27 games. Jensen still has an effortless swing, and that, coupled with his plate approach, is fueling his strong 2024 start.

Jensen has only gotten better at the plate, but his improvements behind it have been a welcome surprise. He is athletic enough to change positions, but his framing looks good for his level. Plus, MLB.com says "Jensen has an above-average arm, his agility was much improved last year and he manages a staff well." That only helps the Royals organization believe the 20-year-old can stay at catcher for the long term.

Like Owen, Jensen obviously deserves a promotion to Northwest Arkansas sooner rather than later. Jensen has usually taken a sizeable amount of time adjusting to the next level, but Double-A will really test his plate approach for the first time. Plus, Kansas City needs to see how his arm plays with even more polished speedsters on the basepaths. For now, Jensen remains the best catching prospect in the Royals system.

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