Jump to content
Royals Keep

  • MLB Draft Notes

    Notes about the coming MLB Draft or draft picks go here.

    3 rumors in this category

      Kevin O'Brien

      Maxx Yehl thrived out of West Virginia's bullpen as a 2023 freshman and again in 2024, but Tommy John surgery cost him 2025.

      Back in 2026, the 6-foot-6 lefty seized his first shot at starting, became the Friday night ace, won Big 12 Pitcher of the Year, and clinched the Mountaineers' first College World Series berth. Yehl is known for his durability post-injury, having thrown a 124-pitch complete game against the University of Kansas on May 8th.

      His fastball has hit 96-97 mph, backed by an above-average slider up to 87. Late-season fatigue is understandable post-surgery. A strong strike-thrower and competitor with limited starting experience, he could stick in a rotation—or fall back on his fastball-slider combo in relief.

      Cory Moen

      The Royals have signed Supplemental first-rounder Taylor Rabe, who was the 30th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft.

      Rabe is a right-hand pitcher from Ole Miss who has touched 100 mph with his fastball. He also throws a slider and a cutter as well. Rabe pitched for the Rebels the past two seasons, and in 17 games pitched this year, he went 5-3 with a 3.55 ERA over 76 innings pitched. In those innings, he had 105 strikeouts with 15 walks.

      He signed for $3,197,500, which is $7,500 above slot value for the 30th overall pick. 

      Kevin O'Brien

      In the fourth round, the Kansas City Royals selected Dominic Battista, an outfielder from Oswego East High School in Illinois. Selected 119th overall, Battista is committed to the University of Illinois-Chicago. 

      Battista missed some time due to a hamate injury, but he's been widely hailed by scouts for his toolsy and athletic profile. Here's what Prep Baseball said about him back in a write-up last August. 

      Quote

      A lean athlete standing at 6-foot, 157-pounds, the left-handed hitter was a big winner during the workout portion of the event; running a 6.57 60, reaching 90 mph from the outfield, and averaging 92.2 mph off the bat (T99 mph) during batting practice. He has a hitterish presence in the box, shows an advanced understanding of the strike zone, and showed minimal swing and miss in the zone. A willing and aggressive base-stealer, Battista also grabbed five bags in the three games during the event. To round out his stellar performance, Battista continued to play advanced defense in centerfield that our staff has become accustomed to seeing in the past. A high-level player who could garner pro interest next spring.

      Battista will be a project of sorts, as he is currently 18 and won't turn 19 until October. Prep Baseball ranked him the 6th-best player in Illinois and the best outfielder in the state as well. The Royals are now done for the first round, having made all four of their picks. A complete review of Day 1 of the MLB Draft will be posted on Royals Keep later this evening. 

×
×
  • Create New...