Predicting 3 prospects KC Royals should add to 40-man by March

Noah Cameron — LHP

Kansas City's starting rotation was among the league's best during the 2024 season, largely due to recent free-agent acquisitions. Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, and Michael Wacha delivered outstanding performances, but their success also highlighted the shortcomings of Kansas City's pitching pipeline in recent years. Fortunately, there are promising arms on the way, with lefty Noah Cameron being the closest to reaching the big leagues.

A seventh-round selection in the 2021 MLB Draft, Cameron has steadily rebounded from Tommy John surgery. From the beginning of 2022 to the end of 2024, he climbed from the Arizona Complex League to Triple-A — a rapid ascent that he has certainly earned. His nine starts in Omaha to close out the season turned several heads, as Cameron posted a 2.32 ERA and a 3.39 FIP during that stretch in the hitter-friendly International League.

The Central Arkansas product may not have the velocity that lights up radar guns, but he certainly has the stuff and command to succeed. His new cutter and changeup combination fueled his impressive strikeout numbers this season, including a 10.27 K/9 in Triple-A. Coupled with his ability to limit walks — posting a 1.82 BB/9 in Omaha — Cameron has some tantalizing potential for 2025 and beyond.

Expectations are high for Cameron to be a rotational candidate come spring training. Several factors could influence that outcome, but he is certainly in an enviable position. The southpaw possesses the pitching arsenal, recent Triple-A success, and trajectory to reach the big leagues sooner rather than later. The first step is being added to the Royals' 40-man roster.