The 22-year-old Lamkin was drafted by the Royals in the competitive round portion of the 2025 MLB Draft (71st overall). A Texas A&M product, the lefty posted a 3.42 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 84.1 IP with the Aggies. Lamkin was known as a strikeout machine with impeccable control in college. In his final season in College Station, he produced a 28% K% and 22.6% K-BB%.

The Royals did not rush Lamkin after drafting him, as he didn't pitch at any level in the Royals system in 2025. However, he got a lot of work with the Royals' pitching development team in Surprise, Arizona, and that seemed to pay off in 2026.

Lamkin began the season in High-A Quad Cities and absolutely dominated. In six starts and 28.1 IP, he posted 1.27 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP, and 3.45 FIP. He maintained his strong strikeout command from college, producing a 34.9% K% and 24.9% K-BB% with the River Bandits. That strong performance in High-A ball helped Lamkin earn a promotion to Northwest Arkansas.

The former Aggie pitcher only made two starts with the Naturals before landing on the IL. While his ERA was 3.97, his WHIP was 0.97, his K% was 34.9%, and his K-BB% was 27.9%. Thus, Lamkin demonstrated all the same qualities in Double-A that made him successful in High-A before going on the IL. While he was transferred to the 60-Day IL, it sounds like the Royals are doing so to be "cautious," not because of a serious injury. 

Lamkin's profile is very similar to Kris Bubic's. His fastball averages only 91-93 MPH, but he generates good extension and maintains impeccable command. The former Texas A&M product sports a four-pitch mix that also includes a curveball, slider, and changeup. His slider is his best-rated secondary offering and is seen as his put-away pitch, according to scouts.

While his timetable to return is unclear, Lamkin is putting himself in place to challenge for a rotation spot in 2027, as long as he stays healthy.