Royals' Top Pitching Prospect Could Debut Sooner Than Expected

Luinder Avila, a 24-year-old right-hander, impressed in his 2025 MLB debut and could earn a spot on the Royals' opening day roster.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 4:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Kansas City Royals have a talented young core, but they'll need contributions from their farm system to return to the playoffs. One prospect who could make an immediate impact is right-handed pitcher Luinder Avila, who thrived in 13 relief appearances for the Royals last season with a 1.29 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 14 innings. Though the Royals see Avila as a potential starter, he could begin the 2026 season in the big-league bullpen if he continues to dominate in spring training.

Why it matters

The Royals are looking to build on their young core of Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, and Maikel Garcia, and Avila's potential MLB-ready talent could be a key part of that effort. His success last season as a reliever also raises questions about whether the Royals will keep him in the bullpen or transition him back to a starting role.

The details

Avila, 24, made 13 relief appearances for the Royals in 2025, posting a 1.29 ERA and 0.93 WHIP with 16 strikeouts in 14 innings. His primary weapon was an 82-85 mph curveball that generated whiffs on 50% of swings, and he also featured a mid-90s fastball and an 86-88 mph changeup. The Royals see Avila as a potential starter, but with the rotation crowded, they may keep him in the bullpen to start the 2026 season.

  • Avila made his MLB debut in 2025 with 13 relief appearances for the Royals.
  • The Royals will make a decision on Avila's role for the 2026 season based on his spring training performance.

The players

Luinder Avila

A 24-year-old right-handed pitcher in the Royals' farm system who impressed in his MLB debut in 2025, posting a 1.29 ERA in 13 relief appearances.

Bobby Witt Jr.

A young star in the Royals' lineup, part of the team's talented core that also includes Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia.

Vinnie Pasquantino

A young hitter in the Royals' lineup, part of the team's talented core that also includes Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia.

Maikel Garcia

A young player in the Royals' lineup, part of the team's talented core that also includes Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The 24-year-old right-hander came up to the Majors for 13 relief appearances last year and thrived in that role with a 1.29 ERA, a 0.93 WHIP and 16 strikeouts in 14 innings.”

— Jonathan Mayo, Sam Dykstra, Jim Callis, MLB.com reporters (MLB.com)

What’s next

The Royals will make a decision on Avila's role for the 2026 season based on his performance in spring training.

The takeaway

Avila's impressive MLB debut in 2025 as a reliever has the Royals considering keeping him in the bullpen to start the 2026 season, though they still view him as a potential starter long-term. His development will be key as the Royals look to build around their young core and return to the playoffs.