Five Royals Bounce-Back Prospect Candidates In 2026

[Kerry Flanagan]

Image courtesy of © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

While some of MLB’s future superstars progress through the minors in an uninterrupted and consistently dominant upward trajectory, that is the exception and not the rule. Most MiLB players who eventually make it to “The Show” encounter roadblocks, detours, and delays along the way. Injuries, personal issues, new pitches or pitch grips, batting stance changes, and other tweaks and changes often result in nonlinear development. In other words, just because a player has a poor season doesn’t mean they’ll never become a useful major leaguer.

With that in mind, let’s look at five candidates coming off disappointing seasons who possess the raw talent to get back on track in 2026.

Blake Mitchell, C

The Royals selected Mitchell eighth overall in the 2023 MLB Draft as a high-upside prep catcher with plus power and defensive skills. He performed well in his 2024 full-season debut at Single-A Columbia, earning the organization's George Brett Hitter of the Year award and establishing himself as a top 100 prospect.

However, a broken hamate bone in spring training that required surgery derailed his 2025 season. Hamate bone injuries are well known to sap a returning player’s power, and Mitchell was no exception. After slugging 18 homers with a .238/.376/.439 slash line at Single-A in 2024, Mitchell’s output plunged to just two home runs and a .207/.372/.296 line at High-A Quad Cities in 2025 over 49 games and 216 plate appearances. While plate discipline remained a strong suit, his slugging percentage dropped dramatically, and his elevated K% remains a concern.

Mitchell was able to reclaim some of his top 100 prospect status with his performance in the Arizona Fall League, which included a home run with an impressive exit velocity of 116.5 mph. He was selected for the AFL Fall Stars Game and led Surprise in the semi-finals, going 2-3 with a double, two walks, and a walk-off single to send his team to the championship. There, he was a key contributor in defeating Peoria with a sac fly, single, and game-tying run scored.

With the anticipation of Carter Jensen moving into a starting role in Kansas City, and significant additional organizational depth at the catcher position, a monster season from Mitchell would be huge for the Royals and solidify his status as one of the most valuable trade chips in the organization.

Javi Vaz , 2B/OF

Vaz, a versatile left-handed hitter known for elite contact skills and on-base ability, posted strong numbers in 2024 at Double-A Northwest Arkansas (.263/.375/.379, and more walks than strikeouts). His disciplined plate approach and defensive flexibility at second base and outfield had positioned him for a potential 2025 MLB debut.

A fractured hand in spring training delayed his start and disrupted his season. At age 25 entering the 2026 season, Vaz's high floor as a contact-oriented, defensively versatile, and speedy contributor makes him a candidate to bounce back at Triple-A Omaha, potentially earning him a big-league roster spot as a utility player.

Gavin Cross, OF

Cross, the ninth overall pick in 2022, debuted in impressive fashion that same year in Single-A Columbia with a slash of .293/.423/.596. However, 2023 turned into an absolute nightmare for Cross after being stricken with Lyme disease. He rebounded impressively in 2024 at Double-A (.261/.342/.428, 15 HR, 30 SB), earning Naturals Player of the Year honors and restoring his prospect stock.

Unfortunately, that momentum didn’t carry into 2025. Chronic back issues resurfaced, causing multiple IL stints, and a performance drop. Cross endured an abysmal start to the season with an anemic slash line of .166/.206/.289 in April and May combined. He did turn things around with strong finish to the season (.291/.345/.496 June-September).

Cross enters the 2026 season at age 25 and having not yet progressed beyond Double-A. Given his up-and-down history, it is a make-or-break season for him. Strong athletic tools, above-average pop, and a good defensive skillset make Cross a bounce-back candidate and potentially still an MLB contributor. Alternatively, another poor season would push him into non-prospect status.

Steven Zobac, RHP

Zobac, a former two-way college player, broke out in 2024 (3.64 ERA across High-A/Double-A, 123 K in 126 IP), earning the organization's Paul Splittorff Pitcher of the Year and a 40-man roster spot for Rule 5 protection.

Knee tendinitis and other injuries limited him to just 36 1/3 innings pitched at Double-A in 2025. Zobac’s mid-90s fastball and sharp slider, along with strong command and above-average swing and miss stuff (23.8 K%, 5.6% BB%- 2024), are encouraging for potential development. Zobac possesses a ceiling as a mid-rotation starter and a floor as a reliever, where his stuff may play up even more. 2026 will be critical in determining which of those outcomes is more likely.

Blake Wolters, RHP

Wolters, a highly regarded second-round pick in 2023 as a high schooler, features a mid-90s fastball (touching 99-100) with riding life and a plus slider. His 2024 Low-A debut was solid (4.20 ERA, manageable WHIP).

A shoulder issue slowed him in 2025, reducing velocity and impacting command. Still just 21 entering 2026, Wolters has significant projection remaining. A full season at High-A could see him develop his stuff, regain velocity, and rocket him up organizational rankings.

With the Royals' improving player development results, 2026 could feature multiple player bounce-backs, providing additional significant future MLB depth and immediate trade value.

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