4 KC Royals prospects who lost their shine after a rough 2024 season

Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
3 of 4

KC Royals Prospect: OF Tyler Gentry

Unlike Wilson, I’m sure you’ve heard of outfielder Tyler Gentry. Whether it was his breakout second half in 2023 or his MLB debut, there were high expectations for the Alabama product. However, after a slow start to the 2024 season and an underwhelming stint in Kansas City, Gentry’s outlook has taken a sharp downturn.

Kansas City selected Gentry 76th overall in the 2020 MLB Draft, a draft class that was criticized by many MLB organizations. Gentry had mostly met expectations as he progressed through the system, but it was his breakout 2022 season that elevated his prospect profile. His career-high .972 OPS during much of the Double-A season turned plenty of heads, especially with several future Royals also playing on that Northwest Arkansas squad.

Gentry spent the entire 2023 season in Omaha, experiencing some growing pains but largely remaining the same player: a solid outfielder with gap-to-gap power and a polished plate approach. These traits led many, myself included, to wonder if he could push his way into the Royals’ outfield picture for 2024. After all, Kansas City hadn’t invested much in the position, and Gentry offered a more well-rounded profile compared to players like MJ Melendez or Nelson Velázquez.

Gentry began the 2024 season back in Omaha, and for much of the year, it seemed like he needed to be there. He didn’t start turning things around at the plate until mid-summer, but he still posted a career-worst 30.6% strikeout rate along with a .255/.345/.421 slash line across 468 Triple-A plate appearances.

Gentry finished with an average season at the plate, but his 101 wRC+ marks the lowest of his minor league career, even after repeating a season in Triple-A. What was once considered a fourth or fifth outfielder floor in 2023 now feels more like his ceiling, especially after an underwhelming MLB stint. While he still has a strong arm that makes him a plus defender in either corner outfield spot, his lack of speed limits his potential to be an elite fielder in Kauffman Stadium.

Gentry will be a player to watch this spring, but he’ll be 26 years old by Opening Day 2025. While he can still contribute to the big league club, his ceiling as an everyday player seems to have faded this season.

Schedule