Earlier this year, Baseball America presented the Top 30 Royals Prospects for 2026. Now, we’re digging even deeper to highlight prospects who just missed making the cut but still have the potential for breakout seasons or future MLB careers.
Here are the next 10 players to know in the Royals system beyond their Top 30. You can find the complete index of players who just missed their teams’ respective lists here.
31. Freddy Contreras, RHP
Given his youth, a return to the DSL would make sense for Contreras. However, the Royals haven’t shied away from aggressive assignments for teenage arms, so he very well could open 2026 in the Arizona Complex League thanks to a solid fastball-curveball combination that gives him a high floor for his age.
32. Henry Williams, RHP
His profile isn’t sexy—above-average command for a curveball-led arsenal that includes a fastball sitting around 92 mph—but Williams has the look of a dependable back-of-the-rotation option. He has a high probability of reaching that floor because he commands all four of his pitches.
33. Daniel Vazquez, SS
Vazquez has still not developed much power as he’s moved slowly through the Royals system. He’s an above-average defender or better, with the chance to fill a utility infield role.
34. Hiro Wyatt, RHP
Wyatt struggled with back issues in his second pro season, which came with a drop in velocity. Mechanical changes are underway to help his back hold up, with observers seeing more of a relief future for the 2023 third-round pick.
35. Josh Hansell, RHP
Consistency was the biggest need for the former Arizona State hurler and son of a former big league pitcher, and he was off to a very good start at High-A Quad Cities before an injury put him down for the year. Hansell has a four-pitch mix highlighted by a fastball up to 96 mph.
36. A.J. Causey, RHP
The low slot reliever had a big season at both High-A Quad Cities and Double-A Northwest Arkansas. Causey doesn’t throw hard, with his two-seamer averaging under 90 mph, but he gets big-time movement from his diverse selection of funky pitches from a deceptive delivery.
37. Hunter Owen, LHP
The lefty from Vanderbilt had a fine season in Double-A, with a 3.80 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 94.2 innings. He’s likely a back-end workhorse starter, a long reliever or perhaps both.
38. Yeri Perez, RHP
Waiting patiently for Perez to develop just a modicum of control and a usable second pitch to go with an electric fastball averaging 94.3 mph, touching close to 100. Someday, perhaps.
39. Moises Marchan, C
An international player signed in 2025, Marchan had a fine season in the Dominican Summer League, interrupted briefly by an injury. Regarded as a unicorn prospect with the potential for a five-tool profile, he’s the rare plus runner for a catcher.
40. Jhonayker Ugarte, 3B
Ugarte received the Royals’ second-highest bonus in the 2024 international signing period. He struggled at the plate in his Arizona Complex League season, but at only 18, he shows potential for more.
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