Three KC Royals prospects to watch in Low-A Columbia

The KC Royals are quickly losing fan interest at the major league level after a terrible start to the 2023 season. But, that does not extend to their farm teams, chock full of intriguing prospects in the 2023 season. Despite the lack of success at the major league level, the Royals' newfound focus on developing young talent in their farm system could pay off in the long run, as they look to build a strong foundation for future success. Additionally, the team's commitment to player development and scouting bodes well for their ability to rebuild and compete in the coming years.

The KC Royals farm system begins with the Columbia Fireflies. What prospects there should fans keep tabs on?

A prospect's first step beyond rookie ball in the Royals system is through Columbia, South Carolina, home of the Columbia Fireflies. The Low-A team is the most geographically separated from Kansas City, at nearly 1,000 miles from Kauffman Stadium. Despite the distance, the Low-A team serves as a crucial training ground for future Royals players and offers a glimpse into the organization's promising talent pipeline. Fans can keep an eye on rising stars and potential major league players at this level.

The Fireflies started their season on April 6, just one of many games to come this season. Projecting which prospects will do what in Columbia is no easy task. It is a mixed bag of former international free agents, high draft picks, and impressive late-round fliers. But, all those things and more are important to a “re-building” Royals farm system.

For fans looking to the future, what Fireflies players could elevate their status and long-term outlook in 2023?

Shortstop Daniel Vazquez
Royals Prospect Ranking: 27

Royals fans complain that the team does not make enough splashy moves, especially when it comes to free agency. But the team surprised many when they signed one of the biggest international free agents during the 2020–21 international signing period, shortstop Daniel Vazquez.

The Royals have not inspired confidence in developing their international free-agent acquisitions, though. Catcher Salvador Perez and pitcher Yordano Ventura both came from that pool, but those are the only notable examples in the past 20 years. Royals farm followers hoped outfielder Erick Pea would be the team's next success story, but the 20-year-old went from being a borderline top-100 prospect to being forgotten. All that to say, Vazquez has a lot of things working against him in Kansas City.

Vazquez went straight to Columbia after signing, a bold move from the Royals. It was a great test for a player who drew comparisons to Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado. His glove and arm transitioned seamlessly to Low-A, and he is a natural at shortstop. His bat fell considerably short, but he faced a steep learning curve and older competition. Now 19 years old, Vazquez has every tool to follow Makiel Garcia's trajectory if his own bat progresses. The defense is ready for High-A and could even be ready for Double-A. But his bat needs to improve this season if Vazquez doesn't want to be another international flash in the pan.

Infielder Brennon McNair
Royals Prospect Ranking: N/A

Both Mozzicato and Vazquez had a whole season of Low-A action under their belts and things to prove. But infielder Brennon McNair is making his Columbia debut this season with a lot of possibilities ahead.

The Royals selected McNair in the 319th overall slot in the 2021 MLB Draft out of Magee High School in Flowood, Mississippi. He was the only prep player drafted out of Mississippi that year, showing how special McNair is in his class. During his senior year, McNair had more home runs than strikeouts and sported a .527 batting average. McNair's bat kept an above-average clip on the complex ball, both in 2021 and 2022. Once he outperformed that competition, it was time to move on to Columbia. It is too soon to tell, but his hit tool translating to low-A is a concern. He has a smooth and effortless swing, but he struck out at a 27.8% clip in complex ball in 2022. In 2023, he will need to limit strikeouts to show fans his potential.

The 20-year-old McNair split time in the field between shortstop and third base, but his arm translated better to third base. He is a pure athlete, letting his speed and twitch show at shortstop, but the Royals system and even his Columbia team are full of borderline shortstops. He should have little competition at the hot corner and have more opportunities in the everyday lineup as such.

McNair is a very unheralded prospect but could be an entertaining player to watch in Columbia. He still has time and room to grow as a prospect, and the Fireflies will be a great team to start with.