Royals Farm System Ranked 19th Ahead of 2026 Season

Despite some promising prospects, the Kansas City Royals' minor league system is considered middle-of-the-pack by one expert.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:23am

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The Kansas City Royals' farm system has been ranked 19th out of 30 MLB teams by The Athletic's Keith Law, placing them in the 'Tier 5' category. While the Royals have some intriguing prospects like catcher Carter Jensen and pitcher Kendry Chourio, Law notes they lack high-end outfield talent ready to contribute at the major league level soon. However, Law believes the Royals' system could make a big leap this year thanks to recent strong drafts and international signings.

Why it matters

The Royals' minor league system ranking is important because small-market teams like Kansas City rely heavily on developing young talent to remain competitive year after year. A mediocre farm system could make it difficult for the Royals to sustain success and fill holes on their major league roster.

The details

According to Keith Law's rankings, the Royals have three prospects in his Top 100: catcher Carter Jensen (No. 10), catcher Blake Mitchell (No. 56), and pitcher Kendry Chourio (No. 61). Law was particularly high on Jensen, calling him a 'legit Rookie of the Year candidate.' However, the Royals lack top-end outfield prospects ready to contribute soon. Law believes the Royals' system could make a big leap in 2026 thanks to recent strong drafts and international signings, though he notes the team may have to trade some of those prospects if they contend again this season.

  • The Royals' farm system rankings were released on January 29, 2026.

The players

Jac Caglianone

A Royals prospect who graduated to the major leagues last year.

Carter Jensen

A Royals catching prospect ranked 10th on Keith Law's Top 100 list, who Law believes could be a 'legit Rookie of the Year candidate.'

Blake Mitchell

A Royals catching prospect ranked 56th on Keith Law's Top 100 list.

Kendry Chourio

A Royals pitching prospect ranked 61st on Keith Law's Top 100 list, who Law says has the 'best command in the minors.'

Brian Bridges

The Royals' new scouting director, who has overseen two strong drafts for the organization.

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What they’re saying

“My pick to make a big leap this year, the Royals have now banked two strong drafts under new scouting director Brian Bridges. They also have a lot of catching depth, and they have some very intriguing guys in the low minors from their international scouting efforts, led by the pitching prospect with the best command in the minors in Kendry Chourio.”

— Keith Law, Writer

“Of course, if they contend again, they might end up trading some of these guys, but I see a ton of upside in this system right now. Their Low-A club in Columbia, South Carolina, will probably be loaded to start the year.”

— Keith Law, Writer

What’s next

The Royals will look to their farm system to help them build on a rough 2025 season and contend in 2026. Their Low-A affiliate in Columbia, South Carolina, is expected to be loaded with top prospects to start the year.

The takeaway

While the Royals' farm system is not considered elite, it does have some promising young talent, especially at the catching position. If the Royals' recent strong drafts and international signings continue to pay dividends, their minor league system could make a big leap and provide the team with the young core needed to sustain success in the coming years.