Royals’ Day Two Picks Set Up Future Stars

The Kansas City Royals added depth on day two of the MLB draft, selecting a mix of arms and position players who could eventually join the ranks of past late‑round successes like David Sandlin, Noah Cameron and Anthony Veneziano. With roughly 10,000 college baseball prospects each year, only about 5% secure a professional contract, making every pick beyond the top tier a potential sleeper. Today’s selections include three left‑handed pitchers, a shortstop, an outfielder, a catcher and a two‑way gem from a junior college. Each of these athletes brings unique tools and story lines that could fit the Royals’ rebuilding timeline.

Ethan McElvain (151st) – Arkansas LHP

McElvain, a 6′4″, 250‑lb southpaw, moved from Vanderbilt to Arkansas and settled into the bullpen, where he logged 38.1 innings with a 1.88 ERA. He struck out 34.4% of opposing hitters, earning an MLB prospect rating of 144th overall. The Royals view his size and strike‑out potential as building blocks for a deeper rotation.

Justin LeGuernic (180th) – Clemson LHP

LeGuernic is drafted as a junior and won’t turn 21 until October, which gives the Royals extra time to develop him. He posted a 4.69 ERA over 19 relief appearances this season, though his upside remains tied to his raw arm. Scouts currently place him at 220th on MLB’s prospect list, highlighting his developmental stage.

Dylan Vigue (209th) – Georgia RHP

Vigue stayed in a starting role for the Bulldogs, launching 16 games against strong SEC competition. His 4.43 ERA shows durability rather than dominance, but he tossed enough innings to catch the Royals’ eye. MLB ranks him 201st among draft prospects, suggesting room for improvement.

Hunter Possehl (239th) – Florida Gulf Coast LHP

Possehl, a 6′8″ sophomore, combines size with a 3.21 ERA and a solid 2.5 K/BB ratio for FGCU. His frame could develop into a elite reliever if he refines his command. The Royals added him as a potential long‑term bullpen piece with high ceiling.

Camden Johnson (269th) – Oklahoma SS

Johnson, the Royals’ first position player selected on day two, transferred from Wichita State to Oklahoma and batted .298/.403/.478 with 31 steals. His speed and power from the left side of the plate make him a viable leadoff candidate. MLB places him 116th overall, indicating he could contribute sooner rather than later.

Grant Fontenot (299th) – LSU RHP

Fontenot has battled injuries, appearing in just 48.1 college innings over the past three seasons. When healthy, he limits hitters with a 26.9% strike‑out rate, a trait the Royals covet in any reliever. His upside is tied to staying healthy and adding more workload.

Tanner Griffith (329th) – St. Mary’s OF

At 5′9″, Griffith offset his stature with a .342/.477/.545 slash line, smashing 22 doubles in 303 plate appearances. His bat speed and plate discipline impressed scouts despite his diminutive frame. The Royals see Griffith as a potential everyday outfielder with a high contact approach.

Lance Hartley (359th) – UCF RHP

At 20 years old, Hartley posted 22 strikeouts in just 16 innings this past season. His age and raw stuff make him a draft‑and‑development project for Kansas City. The Royals hope to refine his mechanics while he adds strength.

Dalton Hill (389th) – Nicholls State RHP

Hill shifted to relief this year and posted a 1.35 ERA with a 3.2 K/BB ratio over 20 innings. His ability to induce swings and misses while keeping walks low signals potential as a power‑arming setup reliever. The Royals added him for his strike‑out efficiency.

Banks Wickersham (419th) – Fort Dorchester HS C

Wickersham is the first high‑school sign the Royals have taken on day two, showcasing multi‑sport versatility. He has already committed to the College of Charleston but will now turn his focus to professional training. This pick highlights Kansas City’s willingness to gamble on raw talent from the prep ranks.

Madden Clement (449th) – Virginia Tech LHP

Clement has bounced between bullpen and starter roles and bears a striking mustache that’s become a fan favorite. He logged only 3.1 innings last year due to injury, but his arm velocity remains a projectable asset. The Royals drafted him for his upside and intriguing personality.

Dylan Alonso (479th) – Troy RHP

Alonso’s stats were not disclosed in the draft coverage, but his selection signals the Royals’ interest in his reconstitution as a developing arm. No further details were available at this time.

Richie Roman (509th) – Houston RHP

Roman, who turned 21 just days ago, posted a 3.88 ERA for Houston this season. His age and modest effectiveness suggest a grind‑and‑learn role in the minors. The Royals hope to develop his consistency over multiple seasons.

Cooper Corkrean (539th) – New Mexico LHP

Corkrean’s college season highlights were not released, leaving his potential an open question for Royals scouting. He remains a draft‑and‑develop project with little immediate impact expected.

Hudson DeVaughan (569th) – Mooresville HS RHP

DeVaughan earned high rankings, placed 138th by MLB and 111th by Baseball America, and could attract a signing bonus overage to lure him from Alabama. The Royals see him as a high‑potential arm who could fill future rotation depth.

Riley McDonald (599th) – State College of Florida Two‑Way

Kansas City capped the day with McDonald, labeling him both an infielder and right‑handed pitcher after a junior‑college season. His versatility makes him an intriguing project who could contribute on both sides of the diamond once fully developed.

Every late‑round pick carries risk, but the Royals’ day‑two haul includes arm talent, speed, and defensive versatility that could eventually join the elite list of late‑draft Royals who reached the majors. Fans will watch these prospects grow, hoping a few emerge as the next David Sandlin or Vinnie Pasquantino for the franchise.