The Kansas City Royals had a need for starting pitching ahead of the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft.
On Saturday they chose Ole Miss right-handed starter Taylor Rabe with the 30th overall selection in the draft’s Competitive Balance Round A.
Rabe, 21, has an electric fastball. It averages 96 mph and has touched triple digits on occasion this season. He also throws a cutter, slider and developing changeup.
Rabe was 5-3 in 17 games (11 starts) at Mississippi this past season. He recorded 105 strikeouts and issued just 15 walks in 76 innings. He became the Rebels’ Sunday starter and his 3.55 ERA ranked seventh in the Southeastern Conference.
The Royals will appreciate his 7.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio — which ranked fourth in the country. Rabe has the physical traits to move quickly through KC’s minor-league system, too. He is 6-foot-6 and can pound the strike zone with a repeatable delivery.
Rabe showcased his elite potential for the Rebels. In his last six college starts he recorded seven or more strikeouts against top-tier SEC competition. He struck out 14 against Texas A&M on May 9 and 13 against Alabama on May 15.
So it’s possible Rabe could rise quickly in the Royals’ system. There’s certainly precedent for it. The organization recently elevated 2025 MLB Draft selection Justin Lamkin to Double-A Northwest Arkansas after a strong start to his pro career.
The Royals have struggled to find true swing-and-miss starters, although Cole Ragans and Luinder Avila have displayed that potential at the big-league level. The lower level of KC’s farm system features such prospects as Kendry Chourio and David Shields.
The Royals have always valued top-tier starters. Rabe fits the mold, as he was one of the highest-rising pitchers in the college game. His penchant for strikeouts could fast-track him to the majors.
Rabe was the Royals’ second selection in the 2026 MLB Draft. He follows Louisville outfielder Zion Rose, taken sixth overall in the first round.
The Royals continued day one of the 2026 MLB Draft with three more selections: No. 56 (2nd round), No. 91 (third round) and No. 119 (fourth round).
This story was originally published July 11, 2026 at 3:57 PM.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.kansascity.com ’
