This Royals prospect could be the team's top candidate to win Rookie of the Year in 2027

After finishing 5th in this year's American League Rookie of the Year Award race, Kansas City Royals star Carter Jensen has nothing to feel ashamed about. With a stacked class of rookies in the AL, Jensen faced an enormous challenge to try to outshine them all. Despite his valiant performance in 2026, he couldn't quite catch up to Detroit Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle. 

Thanks to Carter's fifth-place finish, it has now been 23 years since a Royals player has been able to take home the Rookie of the Year Award. Ángel Berroa won the top rookie honor for the Royals in 2003, besting New York Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui by just four points. 

Despite having strong players like Bobby Witt Jr. and Jensen, Royals rookies have continually come up short for more than two decades now. It's not from a lack of trying either. But as most optimists will tell you, there's always next year. There is just one question? Who will give the Royals the best chance to finally win the award again in 2027? 

According to MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo and Jim Callis, Royals pitching prospect Lucas Braun could be a name to watch out for in 2027. After being acquired from the Atlanta Braves in the Lane Thomas deal, Braun quickly found himself as the 16th highest-rated prospect in the Royals minor league system. He achieved his ascension not by boasting an impressive arsenal of dominating stuff, but through his pitching prowess and advanced understanding of the strike zone. 

Lucas Braun could become a key member of the Royals' pitching staff in 2027 

With a fastball that ranges from the low to mid-90s, Braun isn't a pitcher who will light up the radar gun or blow a heater past any hitter. But that doesn't mean he can't rack up the strikeouts. Braun has continuously added to his repertoire over the last few seasons, now utilizing a four-seamer, a sinking two-seamer, and a swing-and-miss slider. He also mixes in his decent curve and a competent changeup as well. Again, none of his five pitches will wow you with off-the-charts spin rates or devastating movement, but he knows how to use them effectively. 

Since being drafted by the Braves in the 6th round of the 2023 MLB Draft, Braun has steadily worked his way through the minor league system. In 81 career starts, Braun has notched 459 strikeouts in 452.1 innings of work. He also sports a career WHIP of 1.158, noting his ability to limit base runners and avoid being struck by the big inning. 

As of now, Braun is projected as a high-floor, low-ceiling type of pitcher. A player who likely won't make his way to becoming the ace of a staff, but someone who can be relied on start after start. With his polished craft and approach to the game, Braun could be a player to make the Royals' Opening Day roster in 2027. With 30 consistent starts, he could launch himself into the Rookie of the Year race by the end of the season. 

Does Braun have the upside of pitchers like Kendry Chourio or David Shields? Probably not. But what he does possess is the ability to offer the Royals a solid starting pitcher who can give them much-needed innings in 2027. Braun isn't the best Royals prospect over the last 23 years, but he could be the one to break the franchise’s Rookie of the Year drought. 

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