Here’s the Royals’ Spring Breakout roster (Fri., 3 p.m. CT)

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Royals’ farm system is filled with prospects in both the upper and lower levels of the Minor Leagues. There are different positions, backgrounds, ages and skill levels. But for one day, the top prospects are coming together to field a team that represents the Royals in the annual Spring Breakout game.

Teams released their initial 40-man player pools for Spring Breakout early in March, and it was trimmed down to a 27-man roster on Wednesday.

Here’s what you need to know:

What is Spring Breakout?

In 2026, MLB Spring Breakout will again be a four-day event showcasing baseball’s future -- the current stars of Minor League Baseball -- in 16 exhibition games played between teams composed of each MLB organization’s top prospects. The third edition will be held from March 19-22 at Grapefruit and Cactus League stadiums during Spring Training.

In 2027, Spring Breakout will be expanded into a single-elimination tournament format, with champions being crowned in both the Grapefruit and Cactus leagues.

When is the Royals’ game?

Royals prospects will play the Rangers prospects at 3 p.m. CT on Friday at Surprise Stadium. Because the two clubs share the stadium, the Royals will be the visiting team and the Rangers will be home.

How can I tune in?

MLB.TV, MLB.com, MLB App, Rangers Sportsnet, Amazon, Gameday

Notable position players

• C Blake Mitchell (No. 2/MLB’s No. 75) -- Mitchell is hoping to put an injury-riddled 2025 season completely behind him this year, and a good spring is a good start to that. When healthy, he’s the best defensive catcher in the system, with a very strong arm and plus receiving skills. He also has big raw power and walks a ton.

• 2B/OF Sean Gamble (No. 5) and SS Josh Hammond (No. 6) -- This could be our first real look at the duo the Royals took Nos. 23 and 28, respectively, in the MLB Draft last year. Gamble and Hammond are both prep hitters who do things a little differently at the plate, but both are extremely athletic with exciting upside. While Hammond can also play third base, a middle infield that consists of Gamble at second and Hammond at shortstop would be pretty dynamic.

Notable pitchers

• RHP Kendry Chourio (No. 3) -- The most exciting pitcher in the farm system, Chourio ascended three levels in 2025, dominating both the Dominican Summer League and Arizona Complex League before ending the year in Single-A Columbia. And he turned 18 years old after the season. Chourio has a three-pitch mix with exceptional command that makes him seem much older than he is.

• LHP Justin Lamkin (No. 15) -- Lamkin was selected No. 71 in the 2025 Draft out of Texas A&M and was one of the best college lefties in his class. He’s advanced, not only in experience but also in pitchability. Because of that, Lamkin has a chance to move quickly if he sees early success.

Roster details

Spring Breakout rosters are being constructed in two phases in 2026. Clubs initially submit a preliminary 40-man player pool on Thursday, March 5, which will then be pared down to the official 23-27 man rosters on March 18. The preliminary rosters were assembled using MLB Pipeline's Top 30 Prospects lists plus additional prospects submitted by the club.

Gameday Roster (Royals Top 30 Prospects list):

PITCHERS (8)
Felix Arronde, RHP, No. 14
Zachary Cawyer, RHP, NR
Kendry Chourio, RHP, No. 3
Dennis Colleran, RHP, No. 25
Justin Lamkin, LHP, No. 15
L.P. Langevin, RHP, NR
Shane Panzini, RHP, No. 21
Blake Wolters, RHP, No. 24

CATCHERS (4)
Moises Marchan, C, NR
Blake Mitchell, C, No. 2/MLB No. 75
Ramon Ramirez, C, No. 8
Hyungchan Um, C, NR

INFIELDERS (9)
Austin Charles, INF, NR
Jose Cerice, INF, NR
Darison Garcia, INF, NR
Josh Hammond, SS, No. 6
Sam Kulasingam, UTIL, NR
Ramcell Medina, SS, No. 19
Yandel Ricardo, SS, No. 11
Brett Squires, INF, NR
Daniel Vazquez, SS, No. 26

OUTFIELDERS (6)
Gavin Cross, OF, No. 27
Sean Gamble, OF/2B, No. 5
Asbel Gonzalez, OF, No. 17
Luke Pelzer, OF, NR
Carson Roccaforte, OF, No. 18
Nolan Sailors, OF, NR