MLB Rumors: 5 Prospects Who Can Help Royals in 2018

MLB Rumors: 5 Prospects who can help Royals in 2018

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - MARCH 15: Nicky Lopez #9 of the Kansas City Royals gets ready in the batters box during a spring training game against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on March 15, 2019 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

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Kansas City Royals pitcher Josh Staumont on Sunday, February 17, 2019 in Surprise, Ariz. (John Sleezer/Kansas City Star/TNS via Getty Images) /

5. RHP Josh Staumont

Josh Staumont was drafted in the second round by the Royals in 2015 out of Azusa Pacific in California. After two seasons as a starting pitcher, Staumont transitioned to the bullpen in 2018 where he struck out 103 batters in just 74.1 innings and finishing the season with a respectable ERA of 3.51.

Staumont has electrifying stuff, consistently hitting triple digits with his fastball velocity and a curveball that can miss a lot of bats. Although it is a small sample size, Staumont is off to a solid start in Omaha in 2019. He has thrown 3.2 innings, struck out six, collected a save and is yet to give up a run.

This type of production is something that Ned Yost desperately wishes he could rely on late in games. After earning a spot on the 40-man roster this past offseason, it is clear the Royals have high hopes for the 26-year-old flamethrower. If the bullpen woes continue, it is all but certain Staumont will make an appearance at the big league level in 2019.

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