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

Nearly every minor-league-centric website or publication has rightly panned the KC Royals farm system in recent years. The overall system is undergoing an identity change after some subpar draft classes, as well as front office and coaching changes throughout the organization. MLB.com's preseason pipeline rankings place Kansas City at 28th among 30 teams, a meager improvement from 29th place the year before.

There are signs of life in the minor leagues, but Alec Marsh's injury has proven how shallow the organizational depth is. There is no instant solution to the problem after investing countless hours and resources into the hundreds of minor-league players in the Royals organization. Systemic changes do not happen overnight in any facet of life, and baseball is not different.

KC Royals fans need to keep tabs on this farm system.

Even if the overall farm system outlook continued to look bleak this offseason, the team-level results look strong one month in. Only the Double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals have a losing record, and the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers currently lead the International League West Division with a 19-11 record. The standings and records are certain to change, but it is a strong start across the organization.

A winning farm system does not directly translate to a winning big-league roster, however. The Royals still need their high-ceiling players to develop into MLB talents, rather than win in the minors and fizzle out from there. MLB.com's top-30 prospect list for each team offers fans a quick glimpse into who could make up any team's future. The Royals list features several organizational newcomers, including six 2023 draftees. 

Fellow co-site expert Mike Gillespie already covered the system's top five prospects, most of which are off to strong starts this year. This top-30 list is pretty diverse, featuring players from all levels of the Royals farm system. Knowing this, let's look at three of the featured ballers and examine their hot starts to 2024.

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.