Grant Fontenot Chosen by Royals in 2026 Draft

Round and Slot Details

The Royals selected Grant Fontenot with the 299th pick, a 10th‑round choice, in the 2026 MLB Draft. The slot value for this pick is $195,600. It marks the third highest pick among LSU’s 2026 prospects.

College Journey

Fontenot spent three seasons with LSU after a redshirt year in 2022. He arrived from McLennan Community College and a stint with Texas before joining the Tigers for the 2025 campaign. He helped LSU capture a national championship and returned for an extra season.

During his LSU tenure, the right‑handed pitcher appeared in 21 games, logging four starts. He posted a 4.18 ERA and recorded 42 strikeouts across 32.1 innings of mostly relief work. The 2026 season was his heaviest workload at the Power Four level.

Background and Physicals

The six‑foot‑three pitcher hails from Lafayette, Louisiana. He played high school ball locally before moving to junior college and a Power Five program. Fontenot’s mix of endurance and control was highlighted throughout his collegiate career.

Draft Context within LSU

He becomes the fourth former Tiger from the 2026 recruiting class to be drafted. Earlier picks include Derek Cruiel (Pirates, No. 5), Jake Brown (Mariners, No. 65) and Deven Sheerin (Phillies, No. 128). Fontenot’s selection adds depth to the Royals’ bullpen prospects.

What This Means for Kansas City

The Royals will add a right‑handed reliever who posted a 4.18 ERA in college and showed an ability to work multiple innings. The slot value reflects a solid investment for a player slated to develop at the MLB level. Analysts view the pick as a strategic move to strengthen a pitching staff that has faced injury concerns.

Key Stats at a Glance

• Pick No. 299, 10th round, slot $195,600
• 21 appearances, 4 starts
• 4.18 ERA, 42 strikeouts in 32.1 innings
• 6‑ft‑3, right‑handed reliever
• From Lafayette, LA

The signing could be a building block as Kansas City looks to improve its late‑innings options for the upcoming season.