Which Royals prospects could have an impact in '27?

This story was excerpted from Anne Rogers' Royals Beat newsletter. MLB.com digital content fellow Perla Paredes wrote this edition. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

As the Royals look to build a stronger roster for 2027, some of the answers could already be working their way through the Minor Leagues.

Twelve of the organization’s top 13 prospects ended the 2026 season at or below High-A, but with potential opportunities emerging in the outfield and the pitching staff, here are three prospects who could make their way to Kansas City next season.

OF Carson Roccaforte (No. 17)
Roccaforte had a breakout year in 2026, becoming the first Minor Leaguer in Royals history to record a 30-30 season. The 24-year-old hit .257 with 35 home runs, 96 RBIs and 32 stolen bases across Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha.

He spent most of his season with Northwest Arkansas, hitting 30 homers in 110 games while slashing .251/.333/.523 with an .856 OPS. He was assigned to Omaha on Aug. 18, where he continued his production, batting .284 with five home runs in 28 games.

His defense remains another strength. Roccaforte received the organization’s Frank White Defensive Player of the Year Award for the third straight season after recording a career-high 13 outfield assists and not committing an error across 128 games (1,105 innings) in center. He also has the versatility to play all three outfield positions.

However, his swing-and-miss tendencies remain a concern after he struck out 181 times across both levels.

Still, with Kansas City looking to improve its outfield production, Roccaforte could compete for an opportunity in center field, where Kyle Isbel -- who will enter his final year under team control -- has been the primary option; he had a .224 average and a -0.4 bWAR in ‘26.

OF Gavin Cross
Cross showed encouraging signs in the second half of 2026 after beginning his first season with Omaha. The former No. 9 overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft started finding his rhythm at the plate, only missing 12 days with a hamstring strain in August.

Beginning June 16 through the end of the season, Cross slashed .297/.343/.576, showing flashes of the offensive potential that got him as high as No. 6 on Kansas City’s prospect list in 2025. He finished off the year with a .247 batting average, 17 home runs and 25 stolen bases.

However, strikeouts also remain a concern with the 25-year-old. Cross struck out 149 times in 2026, the most in a single season during his Minor League career and one of the reasons he ultimately fell out of the Royals’ Top 30.

RHP Lucas Braun (No. 16)
With injuries leaving questions surrounding the Royals' starting rotation this offseason, Braun could be one of the internal options Kansas City evaluates heading into 2027.

The right-hander joined the organization from Atlanta in the trade involving Lane Thomas and Bailey Falter at the 2026 Trade Deadline.

Before the trade, Braun made 19 appearances (17 starts) between Double-A Columbus and Triple-A Gwinnett, posting a 3.53 ERA with 82 strikeouts. Following the trade, he recorded a 5.73 ERA with 38 strikeouts and 13 walks in 37 2/3 innings pitched for Omaha.

Braun relies on a six-pitch mix rather than overpowering hitters. His fastball sits around 92 mph and can reach 96 mph, while his slider generates swings and misses. He also features a cutter, curveball, changeup and sinker, using his command and variety to keep hitters off-balance.

The Royals enter the offseason with Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo and Noah Cameron penciled into the starting rotation, leaving two spots to fill. While Kansas City is expected to pursue pitching through free agency and trades, Braun could provide another option as the organization evaluates its depth.