4 standout KC Royals prospects from first Omaha Storm Chasers series

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While the KC Royals opened up the 2024 season down in Kauffman Stadium, baseball similarly returned to Werner Park. Kansas City's Triple-A affiliate, the Omaha Storm Chasers, hosted the Iowa Cubs from March 29-31 for their opening series. The Storm Chasers did not leave their fans disappointed, winning the Friday and Saturday games in walk-off fashion, while a pitching duel saw them drop Sunday's game.

I know many friends who prefer a game in Papillion, Nebraska, to one in Truman Sports Complex. Whether it be the promotions or home-grown talent, the Storm Chasers offer a more intimate brand of baseball than their parent club. An Omaha franchise, whether it be the Royals or Storm Chasers, has existed since 1969 and is a pillar of the community. But most Royals fans will never step foot into Werner Park and still care about the on-field results.

Plenty of future KC Royals currently wear an Omaha Storm Chasers uniform.

After all, this is the final step before The Show for most future Royals players. There will be the occasional player to skip Triple-A before making their MLB debut, but a farm-grown talent's road runs through Omaha.

As such, Royals fans need to keep a pulse on the Triple-A action. Chances are that several current Omaha players will log MLB action in the coming season. Each game counts as those players set themselves apart from the rest of the pack. Let's take a look at this weekend's top Storm Chasers.

OF Drew Waters

I was a bit worried when outfielder Drew Waters was not in the MiLB Opening Day lineup, but his presence on Saturday and Sunday has assuaged those concerns. He was a positive force in the lineup, logging three singles in six plate appearances. It isn't much, but Waters is still getting on base how he can. His current 1.000 OPS ranks second in Omaha, albeit without much slugging help.

Dairon Blanco is a more valuable option to the major league club right now, but Waters needs to stay in the outfield reserve conversation. The talent that made him the 41st overall pick in 2017 is still there. This time though, Waters will need to prove himself over and over again before reaching the Royals roster again.

1B Nick Pratto

The Royals surprised some fans when they optioned first baseman Nick Pratto to Triple-A after a red-hot spring training. He posted a 1.292 OPS in 42 plate appearances, striking out eight times with four home runs to boot. It was a very strong spring from the former first-round pick, after a roller coaster 2023 campaign.

“Nick had a phenomenal spring,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said after the demotion. “It was just a little bit of a logjam. He can do other things and play in the outfield, but right now, that opportunity is not there. He did everything he could possibly do this spring, and we just need him to continue that in Omaha. When the opportunity presents itself or he forces our hand, we’ll call him up.”

Well, Pratto did everything he could to force Kansas City's hand in the opening trio of games. He started each game against the Cubs, with at least one hit in each game. He leads the Storm Chasers with a 1.083 OPS and 195 wRC+ through three games as well. One of PRatto's biggest issues in MLB action has been his plate approach, but he made strides this spring in that department. That continued in Omaha, with two walks and two strikeouts in three games so far.

A .417 batting average will play, if a bit unsustainable. Two of his five hits against the Cubs were doubles, so Pratto isn't just dinking and dunking the ball around Werner Park. Royals fans need to watch his strikeouts in Omaha, as those were still an issue before he came back to the majors last season. If he continues this pace, there will certainly be a roster battle before May comes to Kansas City.

RHP Andrew Hoffman

If there is any trope about successful Royals starters, it is that they won't receive run support more often than not. That is exactly what starter Andrew Hoffman experienced in his 2024 debut, unfortunately, but don't let that overshadow him spinning a great start against the Cubs.

Hoffman was one inning shy of a quality start, allowing two runs and striking out five in five innings of work. The five hits he allowed were singles, so that is hardly a cause for concern personally. Five strikeouts to one walk is always a promising sign too, especially against an Iowa lineup loaded with talent. Omaha dropped the series final 2-0, but Hoffman did everything he could for Omaha to win.

The positive I am focused on is Hoffman's stuff or his pitching arsenal. I have not always been a believer in him since Kansas City acquired him and Waters back in 2022. But, the 2021 draftee is looking strong to start his Triple-A career. His impressive Sunday start came from his electric slider, inducing 17 called strikes and whiffs. That adds up to a 36% CSW on that lone pitch, playing well off a sinker and cutter.

Hoffman showed a legit five-pitch mix, even if his fastball leaves something to be desired. Royals fans should watch him enter the rotational conversation late this season or early in 2025.

LHP Walter Pennington

I have to throw lefty Walter Pennington in here. The former undrafted free agent could be another success story of a revitalized pitching development pipeline. His strong spring performance catapulted him into the lefty reliever conversation, after posting an amazing 0.19 FIP and 1.23 ERA across 7 1/3 innings. In that body of work, he struck out 16 batters while walking only two with five hits. That is an amazing mark.

Pennington has parlayed his strong spring into the Triple-A season, tossing 2 2/3 innings against the Cubs. His 16.88 K/9 and no runs allowed show he hasn't skipped a beat and can be an anchor in the Storm Chasers bullpen. Farm to Fountains' Preston Farr pointed out how great Pennington was on Sunday.

Walter Pennington today: 1.1 IP, 1H, 0ER, 0BB, 3 SO

He threw 35 pitches. 29 were well-spun sliders. 16 swings on them despite landing 48% in the zone. 44% whiff rate on the slider. Iowa couldn’t stop chasing.
— Preston Farr (@royalsminors) March 31, 2024

Pennington should make his MLB debut at some point this season. The question is when. Will Smith, Kansas City's primary lefty reliever, did not look great in his Royals debut against the Minnesota Twins. Pennington could emerge as a replacement option if Smith continues to struggle for some reason.

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