Kansas City Royals 2024 MLB Draft Tracker: Live Updates, Picks and Signings
The Kansas City Royals are gearing up for the 2024 MLB Draft, holding the sixth overall pick. This year's draft is part of MLB All-Star Week and will take place at the Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas, hosted by the World Series champion Texas Rangers.
The first two rounds will take place on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET, followed by rounds 3-10 on Monday, July 15, and rounds 11-20 on Tuesday, July 16. The second and third days will start at 2 p.m. ET and will also be broadcast on MLB Network.
The 2024 draft order has been determined, with the Cleveland Guardians securing the first pick, followed by the Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, Oakland A’s, and Chicago White Sox before the Royals make their selection. Notably, the New York Mets, New York Yankees, and San Diego Padres’ first picks dropped 10 spots as a penalty for exceeding the second surcharge threshold of the competitive balance tax by over $40 million.
Here’s a look at the top 10 picks for the 2024 MLB Draft:
1. Cleveland Guardians
2. Cincinnati Reds
3. Colorado Rockies
4. Oakland A’s
5. Chicago White Sox
6. Kansas City Royals
7. St. Louis Cardinals
8. Los Angeles Angels
9. Pittsburgh Pirates
10. Washington Nationals
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Royals Draft Tracker (Live Updates):
Kansas City Bonus Pool: $13,023,300
1 (6): 1B/SP Jac Caglianone (Florida)
- Pick value: $7,213,800
- Signing bonus: N/A
- Analysis: Caglianone is arguably the most intriguing player in this draft class, boasting an extraordinary talent that has been somewhat overshadowed by concerns about his transferability to the professional level. A left-handed power hitter, he has smashed 62 home runs and recorded multiple exit velocities over 120 mph in the past two seasons. However, Caglianone is far from a one-dimensional slugger. This season, he posted a .419 batting average, the third highest in Division I, and a .544 on-base percentage, bolstered by 58 walks, more than double his 26 strikeouts. At 21 years old, he stands at 6’5” and 250 pounds, with scouts noting his aggressive approach at the plate. Despite his below-average speed, Caglianone is considered a solid defender at first base. His combination of size, power, and batting acumen makes him a promising prospect who could reach the big leagues quickly, potentially within a year. After unexpectedly falling to the Kansas City Royals at pick No. 6, their front office is likely thrilled to have landed such talent.
2 (41): LHP David Shields (Mt. Lebannon - PA)
- Pick value: $7,213,800
- Signing bonus: N/A
- Analysis: Shields attended Mt. Lebanon High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ranked as the #41 draft prospect by MLB Pipeline, he can already throw up to 94 mph, displaying notable deception and solid ride with excellent extension. Standing at 6’2” and weighing 210 pounds, Shields is an exceptional athlete who initially excelled as a quarterback on the gridiron before committing to baseball and reclassifying for this year’s draft. At just 17 years old, he is one of the youngest players in the draft. Despite a slow start to the year due to a bout with mono, Shields finished impressively, boasting a 5-1 record with a 0.96 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 35 innings. His outstanding performance earned him the title of Gatorade Pennsylvania Baseball Player of the Year. Shields is also the first Miami recruit to be selected in the draft from their 2024 recruiting class, which is ranked fourth nationally and first in the ACC. Shields' athleticism and potential are highly regarded. With plenty of raw talent and room for development, he exhibits promising traits of a starting pitcher. As he continues to refine his skills, there is ample reason to believe that Shields has even more untapped potential to unlock in Kansas City.
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MATHEY GIBSON