OSA predicts an improved Royals team in 2030, gaining an additional win from their 2029 season to go 88-74 with a +108 run differential (2029 +50). That would, however, still only be good enough to finish 2nd in the AL Central behind the White Sox and a Wild Card spot.
Bobby Witt Jr. is predicted to return to his best with bat, an estimated .900+ OPS would be a very welcome return to form.
Catcher
Jonathan Gerew (2027 8th Rd.) has been handed the starting catcher reins for the 2030 season despite concerns over a bat that continues to struggle in the Major Leagues (9H in 45AB).
David Holcombe (2027 9th Rd.) could be joining him in the Big Leagues this season after mashing Spring Training (.694 slugging). He has some power and eye development so will get everyday reps in AAA but look for an in season promotion for Holcombe.
As a result
Juan Villareal (2027 MiL FA signing) will back up Gerew to start the season. A .955 OPS at AA in 2029, with 55-55-50 defensive profile, Villareal should provide adequate back-up but is no long term solution.
Starter
Jonathan Gerew (2027 8th Rd)
Back Up
Juan Villareal (2027 MiL FA)
Infield
There was little expected controversary in the infield for the Royals with
Luke Adams,
Nick Loftin,
Bobby Witt Jr. and
Hunter Owen expected to be joined by
Isaac Paredes at 3B with
Gregory Barrios and
Davis Schneider as infield utility players. Unfortunately, only Schneider showed any life over the Spring (.658 slugging with a 15% walk rate) meaning Loftin’s injury left the Royals scrambling.
Barrios will move into an everyday role for the first few months of the season while offseason trade acquisition
Boston Baro earns a place on the roster to start the season.
Schneider’s performances, coupled with strike out rates of 36% and 40% for Adams and Owen respectively mean there could be some fluidity around the DH and 1B roles in the first few weeks.
Jeremy Rogerson (2027 2nd Rd) had little luck (.231 BABIP) but benefitted from the time with big league players as a non-roster invite; he will start the season in AAA looking to round out his final potential growth.
1B
Luke Adams (2024 Trade Acquisition)
2B
Gregory Barrios (2027 Rule 5 Draft)
3B
Isaac Paredes (2029 Free Agent)
SS
Bobby Witt Jr. (2019 1st Rd)
INF
Boston Baro (2029 Trade Acquisition)
INF
Hunter Owen (2023 4th Rd)
DH
Davis Schneider (2029 Trade Acquisition)
Jose Ramos is out of option years so has been DFA’d and the Royals hope they can sneak him through back to AAA for a final year.
Outfield
Offseason waiver wire acquisition
Sheng-En Lin was pencilled to join
Wyatt Langford and
Jorge Ruiz in the outfield for 2030. Lin can play every position on the diamond, including offering relief pitching which provides the Royals the chance to carry 5 outfielders for the first time. This offered Spring Training chances with a CF and a corner OF spot up for grabs.
Prospects
Henry Bolte (2029 MiL FA, 40-man addition) and
Jimmy Goodman (2027 1st Rd) had great Springs but both have some growth left and will start the season in AAA to try to round out their potential and force their way into the team. Fellow prospect
Will Gasparino did not fare as well but with some growth left will head to Omaha to start the season.
Enrique Bradfield Jr. will back up CF this season, as well as pinch running when required despite struggling in the Spring.
That left one spot between
Braylin Tavera,
Matthew Etzel, and
Jacob Jenkins-Cowart. All three have spent time in the Big Leagues with JJ-C enjoying a stellar 2028 before regressing in 2029. The Royals choose to reward Spring performance, giving
Braylin Tavera first chance as the 5th outfielder. Like Bradfield Jr., Tavera can pinch run when required.
LF
Wyatt Langford (2028 Trade Acquisition)
CF
Sheng-En Lin (2029 Waiver Claim)
RF
Jorge Ruiz (2026 Trade Acquisition)
OF
Enrique Bradfield Jr. (2029 Waiver Claim)
OF
Braylin Tavera (2025 Trade Acquisition)
In the starting rotation, the big offseason change was the move of
Josiah Gray from Stopper to Starter. A 50-55-50 profile with three plus pitches amongst his 4-pitch arsenal and 55 stamina should allow Gray to continue his effectiveness as he increased his inning total (103 IP in 2029, 152 ERA+).
Marcos Paz (2025 1st Rd) pitched 11 innings over 4 starts, giving up 3 runs across 6 hits. He will start in AAA with the hope that his 50-50-50 profile can reach his potential 60-55-50. He will be joined by 2029 trade acquisition
Cade Townsend, who pitched in relief during the Spring, giving up 12 hits and6 runs across 14 appearances. His 55-50-50 profile could top out at 60-50-50 with a good season of development.
In the Bullpen, there were only 8 pitchers given a chance to prove their worth; with 2021 1st Rd pick
Frank Mozzicato, 2026 3rd Rd pick
Isaac Morton, and 2028 trade acquisition
David Hagaman battling for the final two spots alongside 2-way
Sheng-En Lin and returners
Raimon Gomez,
Angel Perdomo,
DJ Herz, and
Yusuke Matsumura. Morton struggled (giving up 13 hits across 14 innings while only striking out 14% of batters) and so will head to Omaha to try to realise the potential development Royals’ scouts believe he has – a 50-50-40 profile that could max out at 60-55-40.
SP
Mason Barnett (2022 3rd Rd)
SP
Chase Burns (2027 MiL FA)
SP
Drew Beam (2027 Trade Acquisition)
SP
Aiden May (2028 Trade Acquisition)
SP
Josiah Gray (2027 MiL FA)
ST
Angel Perdomo (2029 Waiver Claim)
ST
Wen-Hui Pan (2029 Trade Acquisition)
RP
Sheng-En Lin (2029 Waiver Claim)
RP
Raimon Gomez (2026 Rule 5 Draft)
RP
Frank Mozzicato (2021 1st Rd)
RP
DJ Herz (2025 Rule 5 Draft)
RP
David Hagaman (2028 Trade Acquisition)
RP
Yusuke Matsumura (2028 International Free Agent)