Kansas City Royals: Recent Notable First Round Picks

Leigh Oleszczak

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The MLB Draft is less than a month away (June 8th to be exact), and this year the Kansas City Royals don’t pick until 21st overall. This is the latest the Royals’ first pick has been since 1995 when they selected 22nd overall.

As we all know, the Royals were absolutely disastrous up until the 2013 season (excluding the 2003 season, where they did have a winning record) and usually had their first pick somewhere in the top five or 10. This year, the Royals will select much later, but should still be able to draft a good prospect to help the team in the future.

The Royals have nabbed several prospects over the years, some still with the team, some not. I thought it’d be fun to look at back at some of the more recent notable picks whether they’re still a Royal or not.

It is actually rather interesting to see that the middle 2000’s first round picks are still with the team, and have become such staples within the Kansas City Royals organization.

We’ll get to those guys later on obviously, but first, let’s take a look at some of the guys who were great in Kansas City, but now call another city home.

Editor’s Note: This article was first published on May 21st, 2015, but was updated in June 2016. The players who have had changed teams or almost changed teams are now updated on here.

Next: Cy Young Winner

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) – Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Zack Greinke is a well-established starting pitcher in Major League Baseball and got his start with the Kansas City Royals. He chose to sign a $2.5 million deal with the Royals rather than playing for the Clemson Tigers. The Royals were certainly glad he did so.

He was awarded with the Cy Young Award at the end of the season, and remains the Royals’ only first round pick to be a Cy Young Award winner.

Greinke was called up to Kansas City in May 2004 and almost got the win in his first major league start. The Royals were awful in 2004 though (as they were several years before and after that), and the closer blew the save.

As time went on, Greinke began to suffer from social anxiety disorder and contemplated quitting baseball all together. When he eventually returned, he was a starter for a bit and then sent to the bullpen. In 2008 though, he was right back in the starting rotation and actually ended his 2008 season with 15 scoreless innings (Source of link: ESPN).

2009 was when Greinke got hot though, as he finished the year with a 2.16 ERA, which was the lowest in the league. He was awarded with the Cy Young Award at the end of the season, and remains the Royals’ only first round pick to be a Cy Young Award winner.

Next: Greinke After the Royals

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) – Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Greinke was ready to be traded after the 2010 season because he didn’t want to be apart of a rebuilding team, and shortly after saying this, Greinke got his wish. He was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers along with Yuniesky Betancourt for Jeremy Jeffress, Jake Odorizzi, and some guys named Lorenzo Cain and Alcides Escobar.

Looking at those last two names makes me glad that this trade happened. The Royals wouldn’t be quite the team they are today without Cain and Escobar.

Greinke spent two seasons with the Brewers before being traded to the Los Angeles Angels. He spent one season with the Halos and has been with the Los Angeles Dodgers ever since.

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It’s funny to me that Greinke wanted to play for a winning team yet the Kansas City Royals made it to the World Series before his Dodgers did. Just ironic in a way.

Fans were angry at Zack Greinke for leaving, but can you blame the kid? The Royals were awful then and he wanted to be one of the best pitchers in the league on a team that was relevant. Plus, this trade got Lorenzo Cain and Alcides Escobar to Kansas City, and we all know how much we adore them. So thanks Zack!

Zack Greinke signed a gigantic deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks during the 2016 season. It was worth $206.5 million over six years. It’s safe to say that the Royals never could have afforded that.

Stats as a Royal (7 years)

Wins-Losses: 60-67
ERA: 3.82
Pitched 210 games
Started 169 games
Complete games: 12
Shutouts: 3
Saves: 1
Innings Pitched: 1,108
Strikeouts/Walks: 931/280

Next: Country Breakfast

Kansas City Royals designated hitter Billy Butler – Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Billy Butler really doesn’t need an introduction in Kansas City. He was loved by this city during his time with the Royals, and it was hard to see him go after the Royals’ incredible postseason run last year.

There’s no doubt that Billy Butler wanted to remain a Royal, but it was time to part ways after last season for sure.

Butler was drafted by Kansas City in 2004 and elected to sign with them rather than playing baseball for the Florida Gators. He spent three seasons in the minors before being called up to the majors in May 2007. He was dubbed as the designated hitter in the 2011 season when some guy named Eric Hosmer was called up to play first base.

Kansas City’s love for Billy Butler was shown during the 2012 season when the city hosted the All-Star game that summer. He was the lone Royal to make it to the big game and was snubbed in the home run derby to Robinson Cano (who was booed by Kansas City natives).

There’s no doubt that Billy Butler wanted to remain a Royal, but it was time to part ways after last season for sure. Butler was frustrating to watch, as he constantly would ground into a double play or not come through when the team needed it the most.

The fact that he only hit nine home runs as a designated hitter last season was enough reason alone for the Royals to say good-bye to him.

Next: More on Billy

Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon and Oakland Athletics designated hitter Billy Butler – Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Once the Royals had the incredible run in 2014 taking them all the way to Game 7 of the World Series, it seemed imminent that Billy Butler would be on his way out of Kansas City. He soon inked a deal with the Oakland Athletics and it became real that Country Breakfast was going to California for the next part of his career.

Regardless of what Billy does throughout the rest of his career, I imagine he’ll always be remembered for his days in a Kansas City Royals uniform.

Butler’s Homecoming to Kansas City was not ideal. Yes, it was very sweet when he got his American League Champion ring and Alex Gordon briefly put the Royals hat on Billy’s head, but then Brett Lawrie ruined it.

If I’m being completely honest here, I do feel bad for Billy. He spent years with this team while they were awful and got one season of playoff experience before signing with a team who is currently one of the worst in baseball (the Oakland Athletics). He went from a team on the rise to a team that is not clicking on any cylinders whatsoever.

Fans were excited to see Billy Butler finally get to have that MLB postseason experience last year, and now that the Royals are one of the hottest teams in baseball, its a little bittersweet knowing Billy isn’t a part of it. The “sweet” part of this is knowing the Royals went out and got Kendrys Morales as part of Butler’s departure, and Morales has been nothing short of spectacular so far this season.

Regardless of what Billy does throughout the rest of his career, I imagine he’ll always be remembered for his days in a Kansas City Royals uniform.

Stats as a Royal (9 years)

Runs: 502
Hits: 1,273
Doubles: 274
Triples: 4
Home Runs: 127
RBI: 628
Stolen Bases: 5
Walks: 427
Strikeouts: 697
Batting Average: .295

Next: Go Big Red

Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) – Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Now we get to the point where the players taken in the first round actually are still with the team. No one is more instrumental to the success of this ball club lately than Mr. Alex Gordon himself. Gordon was a hot prospect during his days with the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and the Kansas City Royals rewarded him with the second overall draft pick in the 2005 MLB Draft.

Alex Gordon is without a doubt a staple in the Kansas City Royals organization, and him signing the largest contract in team history just goes to show how beloved he is here in Kansas City.

Gordon started off slow for the organization. In his first season in the majors (2007), his first at bat consisted of him striking out with the bases loaded. He continued his slow start for several seasons, but once he was sent down to the minors in 2010, he switched to the outfield and it has been a magical ride ever since.

Gordo is my favorite player on the Kansas City Royals and I’ve enjoyed watching him develop as a baseball player over the years. He has become a leader for this ball club and it was such a joy to see him get to experience playing in not only the postseason, but in the World Series.

Gordon has been a terrific defensive player for the Royals, as he’s won four consecutive Gold Gloves, three consecutive Fielding Bible Awards, and one Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award. Gordon has also made it to two straight All-Star games.

Alex Gordon is without a doubt a staple in the Kansas City Royals organization, and him signing the largest contract in team history just goes to show how beloved he is here in Kansas City.

Career stats through May 20th, 2015

Games: 1,067
Runs: 583
Hits: 1,077
Doubles: 254
Triples: 21
Home Runs: 125
RBI: 494
Stolen Bases: 79
Walks: 433
Batting Average: .268

Next: Former First Overall Pick

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Luke Hochevar (44) – Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Luke Hochevar is a little more popular nowadays than he was when he was originally apart of the Kansas City Royals. He was a starter in the Royals’ rotation on and off from 2007 to 2013 (he got sent to the minors a few times) and was moved to the bullpen for the 2013 season.

The bullpen is where Hochevar came into his own. He posted a 1.92 ERA in 70.1 innings pitched and struck out 82 batters while only walking 17. Fans were looking forward to continuing to see Luke Hochevar dominate in the bullpen in 2014, but he had to have Tommy John surgery and missed the entire 2014 season.

Career stats through May 20th, 2015

Wins-Losses – 43-61
ERA: 5.10
Games: 194 (Started 128)
Complete Games: 5
Saves: 2
Innings Pitched: 844.1
Strikeouts/Walks: 616/275

Next: The Moose Is Loose

Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas (8) – Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Up until this year, Mike Moustakas was considered a disappointment to the Kansas City Royals organization. He was the king of striking out and not coming through when the Royals needed him. It got to a point where it was difficult to tell if fans were chanting “MOOOOOSE” or “BOOOOO” at Kauffman Stadium. He was even sent to Omaha for a week during the 2014 season.

I remember I was at a game with my dad last season and it was a critical situation where the Royals were trailing and had a guy on third base and two outs. My dad disappointingly said, “Ugh, of course Moustakas is up next”. That shows the lack of confidence fans had in ol’ Moose last season.

The playoffs, however, were when everyone started to appreciate Moose. He slammed five home runs, including a massive one in Game 1 against the Los Angeles Angels to give the Royals the win after 11 innings.

2015 has been a whole new Moose though and it appears he’s finally beaten that silly shift opponents often would put on him. When he was originally put in the second spot in the lineup, fans were not pleased. Once again though, Ned Yost showed us why he’s the manager and we’re not, as Moose has had a breakthrough season. He’s currently (as of mid May) batting .342 and has hit four home runs. He’s also had 26 runs and batted in 15 RBIs.

Fans are definitely on board with the new Mike Moustakas. Let’s hope he sticks around.

Career stats through May 20th, 2015

Games: 550
Runs: 207
Hits: 480
Doubles: 109
Triples: 4
Home Runs: 56
RBI: 214
Stolen Bases: 11
Walks: 136
Batting Average: .243

Next: Gold Glove Great

Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (35) – Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Dubbed as the biggest Royals prospect since Bo Jackson, Eric Hosmer has certainly hit his stride early in the 2015 season. Hosmer spent three years in the minors before being called up to Kansas City in 2011 (Source of Jackson link: Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports).

Hosmer has very much been a hot and cold player for the Kansas City Royals. He struggled during his first few years in the majors, but seems to finally be playing consistently well. He’s already smacked seven home runs out of the park by mid May – a feat that took him until September to do last year.

It’s safe to say that Hosmer is one of the hottest hitters in the MLB right now, and he’s definitely making a statement as to why he should get a ticket to Cincinnati for the All-Star game this summer.

The thing that I like the most about Hos though is that you can tell he loves playing for the Royals. Every time he’s out on the field, he has a big smile on his face and genuinely seems to enjoy going out there and playing for Kansas City.

On top of his terrific offensive play this year, Hosmer has always looked great defensively. He’s won two consecutive Gold Glove awards the past two seasons, and hopefully this year, can make the big game in July.

Hosmer is, without a doubt, one of the leaders of this Kansas City Royals team and it shows each and every game. After that mayhem with the Chicago White Sox happened (you know what I’m talking about), he had an interview where he said what was on every fan’s mind. It just showed how mature he is for his age and that he is an outstanding leader for this ball club.

He might only be 25 years old, but Eric Hosmer is a leader for this Royals squad, and hopefully the team can keep him after his contract is up in a few years.

Career stats through May 20th, 2015

Games: 609
Runs: 297
Hits: 650
Doubles: 127
Triples: 11
Home Runs: 66
RBI: 304
Stolen Bases: 44
Walks: 195
Batting Average: .278

Next: Now a Marlin

Kansas City Royals pitcher Aaron Crow (43) – Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Crow saw some good times with the Kansas City Royals. He also saw some bad times. Playing college baseball with the Missouri Tigers boded well for Crow and he became the 12th overall pick in the 2009 MLB Draft by the Royals. Of course, this was after he played for the Fort Worth Cats in 2009 after the Washington Nationals selected him in 2008 and negotiations stalled too long.

Aaron Crow was brought up during the 2011 season and was put in as the closer for the Royals when Joakim Soria was struggling to get the job done. Crow never actually got an opportunity to close a game, but he was selected to the All-Star game that season. He ended his 2011 campaign with a 2.76 ERA.

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The next two seasons, Crow performed admirably for the Royals. 2012 saw Crow having two saves with a 3.48 ERA. He had one save in 2013 with a 3.38 ERA.

Things went downhill then for Aaron Crow. He struggled in 2014 despite only having a 4.12 ERA. His last good performance was on Mizzou night at the K, but after that, Crow was usually only put into games when the Royals were drastically behind in runs. He was not included on the team’s 25 man roster for the World Series.

Crow underachieved so much in 2014 that he was traded to the Miami Marlins during the off season. He won’t play at all this season due to having Tommy John surgery (Source of link: Christina De Nicola of Fox Sports).

As of 2015, Crow is in the Chicago Cubs minor leagues.

Stats as a Royal (6 years)

Wins-Losses: 20-11
ERA: 3.43
Games: 254
Saves: 6
Innings Pitched: 233.2
Strikeouts/Walks: 208/99

Next: Versatile Player

Kansas City Royals third baseman Christian Colon (24) – Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Christian Colon is beginning to become a household name for all Royals fans, as he’s had several starts this season and has looked pretty darn good in the process. Colon has filled in at shortstop, second base, and at third base so far this season and has proved that he can be a reliable flex position player.

Colon was originally a tenth round selection by the San Diego Padres in 2007, but elected instead to attend California State University Fullerton where he was a dominant player. His decision paid off and he was taken fourth overall by the Royals in 2010.

It’s great having Colon on the roster because he can jump in at shortstop, second base, and third base, and play extremely well at each position.

Colon may have only played in 21 games last season, but he proved to be an important player for the Royals. Recent fans of the Royals more than likely will remember Colon as the guy who scored the winning run in the crazy Wildcard game against Oakland.

It’s great having Colon on the roster because he can jump in at shortstop, second base, and third base, and play extremely well at each position. He has filled in for Alcides Escobar at shortstop, Omar Infante at second base, and Mike Moustakas at third base, and while he isn’t quite the defensive stud that the other three guys are, he’s hitting pretty well so far this season (.271 through mid May).

Colon pretty much sealed his legacy in Kansas City when he was able to knock in the game winning run in Game 5 of the World Series. In other words, Christian Colon should never have to buy another drink in Kansas City again.

Career stats as of May 20th, 2015

Games: 40
Runs: 12
Hits: 31
Doubles: 8
Triples: 1
Home Runs: 0
RBI: 10
Stolen Bases: 4
Walks: 8
Batting Average: .298

Next: A Disappointment (So Far)

Kansas City Royals mascot at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Now Bubba Starling is still a young guy, but he’s been a bit of a disappointment for the Kansas City Royals after being the fifth overall pick in the 2011 draft. He’s young and fans expected him to struggle a bit, but fans were hoping to see potential in him by this point. Fortunately, Starling is finally starting to show something in the minors, as he was promoted to AA just last month.

Fortunately, Starling is finally starting to show something in the minors, as he was promoted to AA just last month.

Starling had a scholarship to play both baseball and football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, but ended up turning it down after he was selected fifth overall by the Royals in 2011. As a Nebraska fan, I’m a little bummed that I didn’t get the chance to see this kid play in a Husker uniform, but I still have hope that he’ll make an impact in the big leagues for my favorite baseball team.

Minor League stats for 2015 season (Up through May 20th)

Games: 27
Runs: 19
Hits: 30
Doubles: 7
Triples: 0
Home Runs: 5
RBI: 20
Stolen Bases: 3
Walks: 14
Batting Average: .316

Next: Another Disappointment (So Far)

Kauffman Stadium – Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Zimmer has been a disappointment so far for the Royals. Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star did a write-up on him in April and had a few areas worth discussing.

He’s had several injuries during his short stint in professional baseball, and while it’s too early to label him as a bust, the fact that he’s yet to complete a season of ball without some type of surgery is concerning for sure.

"Kyle Zimmer has begun throwing sessions of live batting practice at the team’s complex in Surprise, Ariz. Zimmer should begin pitching in extended-spring games by the end of next week, assistant general manager J.J. Picollo indicated. The Royals hope Zimmer can pitch in a minor-league game by May 10, Picollo said. Zimmer missed most of 2014 due to a series of strained muscles in his back. He underwent minor shoulder surgery in October. Many in the organization still consider him their finest young arm."

Fans of the Royals certainly had high hopes for Zimmer when they selected him fifth overall in 2012, but he hasn’t lived up to the hype. He’s had several injuries during his short stint in professional baseball, and while it’s too early to label him as a bust, the fact that he’s yet to complete a season of ball without some type of surgery is concerning for sure.

Zimmer does not have any stats for the 2015 season.

Next: Wildcard Hero

Kansas City Royals pitcher Brandon Finnegan (27) – Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Finnegan was the Royals’ first pick in the 2014 draft (17th overall) out of TCU. He is currently the only player in MLB history to have pitched in both the College World Series and the World Series in the same year, as he pitched for the Horned Frogs at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha and in Game 3 of the World Series in San Francisco.

Finnegan will always have a special place in Kansas City Royals fans hearts for what he was able to do in the Wildcard game against Oakland. This 22 year old kid was able to come into an extra innings POSTSEASON game and pitch two and one thirds innings while striking out three batters. It was incredible to watch. I mean, that game was magical in every way possible, but Finnegan was the MVP that night for sure.

One of the highlights afterwards was when James Shields came up behind Finnegan during a post-game interview and yelled, “This kid has ice in his veins!” That had to be a pretty cool moment for Brandon Finnegan.

All right, let me stop gushing now.

This 22 year old kid was able to come into an extra innings POSTSEASON game and pitch two and one thirds innings while striking out three batters. It was incredible to watch.

Finnegan will likely be a work in progress for the Royals, as many would like to see him in a starting role. It was a good sign when the team sent him to Omaha for the beginning of the 2015 season, but it didn’t last too long.

In mid July, it was announced that the Royals were trading Brandon Finnegan to the Cincinnati Reds for the services of Johnny Cueto. Royals fans were bummed about the trade at the time, but it was done with the hopes of winning a World Series, and the Royals did just that. It just sucks that Finnegan couldn’t be apart of it.

Career stats through May 20th, 2015

Wins-Losses: 1-1
ERA: 1.98
Games: 11
Innings Pitched: 13.2
Strikeouts/Walks: 16/6

Next: Conclusion

View of the fountains in the outfield at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

While the Kansas City Royals haven’t always been a dominant team in Major League Baseball, they’re starting to prove that Dayton Moore’s strategy of building a young team is paying off. The Royals made it all the way to Game 7 of the World Series last year, and still haven’t cooled off after sweeping their way to get to the World Series.

Fans waited patiently for years to see guys like Alex Gordon, Eric Hosmer, and Mike Moustakas hit their stride, and 2015 seems to be the year that all three are performing admirably.

Gordon has been good for several years now, making it to two All-Star games and winning three Gold Gloves, but the other two have been considered somewhat as disappointments (although it is worth noting that Hosmer has won two Gold Gloves also).

Christian Colon has been a nice utility guy, jumping in and playing several different positions when starters weren’t available. The team should be able to get a lot of use out of the former 10th overall pick in 2010.

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Guys like Bubba Starling and Kyle Zimmer certainly have potential, but as of now have been disappointing.

Brandon Finnegan is no longer with the organization, which sucks, but trading him to the Reds helped the Royals win the World Series. That’s what teams play for, right? So yeah, I’d say it was worth it.

Overall, Kansas City Royals fans have finally been rewarded for their patience with these guys and we saw what happened when it all came together last season. The Kansas City Royals made it all the way to Game 7 of the World Series with Billy Butler, Alex Gordon, Mike Moustakas, and Eric Hosmer leading the way, and won the World Series in 2015 with Gordon, Hosmer, and Moose doing their thing. All homegrown and winning a title together.

This is hopefully only the beginning for Kansas City Royals fans.

*All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com*

Next: Ten Greatest Moments in Royals History

Leigh Oleszczak

Leigh has covered the NFL and NFL Draft for 10 years on KC Kingdom, NFL Spin Zone, FanSided, and other sites. She has also covered MLB, college football, and basketball, as well as the TV show Survivor.