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?

Pitcher Frank Mozzicato
Royals Prospect Ranking: 7

There is some inherited pressure with being a first-round pick in any sport's draft. That pressure is certainly still on pitcher Frank Mozzicato after his debut professional season.

Royals fans grumbled about the team selecting Mozzicato at 7th overall in the 2021 MLB Draft. While the prep pitcher did not have the tape or day-one metrics to impress fans, his signing for nearly $2 million under slot opened the door for other selections. Mozzicato's fastball/curveball/changeup mix, even in high school, was exciting and makes him a high-ceiling prospect. His debut season left much to be desired, though. He started 19 games in 2022 and ended with a 4.30 ERA and 1.54 WHIP. His control hindered his season's results, unfortunately, with a 6.65 BB/9.

It was a growing season for the 19-year-old prospect. If his draftmate Ben Kudrna had not outperformed Columiba's competition so competently, no one might be impatient about Mozzicato's 2022 season. Fans need to see some velocity jumps this season, as his fastball still sits in the low 90s at best. The curveball is great as always, but it would be even more devastating with a more powerful fastball.

Mozzicato is still growing as a person and player, so there is no hot seat for him. But fans will want to see more dominating results out of the high draft selection in 2023, especially as his peers climb the farm system.

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.