Kansas City Royals: Five prospects to watch in September

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Jorge Soler #12 of the Kansas City Royals hits a two-run home run (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /

Tad Ratliff – RHP Reliever (23-years-old)

2018 Stats (A Lexington)
1.68 ERA, 1.138 WHIP, 53 Ks, 10 BBs, 2 HRs allowed in 48.1 Innings
2019 Stats (A+ Wilmington)
2.81 ERA, 1.188 WHIP, 55 Ks, 19 BBs, 3 HRs allowed in 51.1 Innings

Signed as an undrafted reliever out of Lenoir-Rhyne College (Hickory, NC) in 2017, Ratliff has steadily climbed the Royals farm system as a steady late-inning reliever. Ratliff has utilized an arsenal of 92-94 mph fastballs, 82-84 mph sliders, and 82 mph change-ups to rack up 33 saves between 2018 – 2019.

Watching video on Ratliff shows he has solid command of his pitches. He utilizes his off-speed offerings as out pitches when properly located and isn’t afraid of late inning pressure.

Expectations: Ratliff has the arsenal, command, and make-up to be a major league middle innings reliever if he continues to develop. If he continues to put together statistically consistent years like 2018 and 2019 the Royals won’t be able to keep him off the major league roster.

Daniel Tillo – LHP Starter/Reliever (23-years-old)

2018 Stats (2 levels – A Lexington and A+ Wilmington)
4.76 ERA, 1.496 WHIP, 100 Ks, 65 BBs, 6 HRs allowed in 134.1 Innings
2019 Stats (2 levels – A+ Wilmington and AA Northwest Arkansas)
4.41 ERA, 1.309 WHIP, 85 Ks, 54 BBs, 5 HRs allowed in 130.2 Innings

Daniel Tillo, another multi-sport athlete, was selected in the third round of the 2017 draft out of Iowa Western Community College (Council Bluffs, IA). Coming into the 2019 season, Tillo saw an uptick in velocity reaching 96 mph. He consistently sits between 92 – 95 mph with his fastball and flashes solid off-speed pitches with his 83 – 86 mph slider, and 86 – 88 mph change-up.

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Watching video on Tillo shows he has issues with his command. His slider and change-up each have solid movement and the ability to miss bats, but his inconsistency to command his pitches leads him into trouble. He throws from the 1st base side of the rubber with a 3/4 arm slot, which could be really tough on left handed hitters. Tillo is an incredible athlete and may need some more time to mature into a starter.

Expectations: Tillo would be better utilized out of the bullpen if his struggles continue as a starter. There isn’t a rush at this point to move him into the pen, but we may see him get most of his appearances in Arizona as a reliever which should see his stuff play up. Tillo has the pitching arsenal to be a major pitcher if he finds his command he could be a reliable late inning LHP reliever.

Prospect Overview

These six prospects will be enjoyable to watch this September/October and the Royals system has produced quite well in 2019.

Next. Five Prospects Who Can Help Royals in 2020. dark

Coming into 2019 for what was widely considered as one of MLB’s lesser ranked farm systems, the Kansas City Royals have four minor league affiliates playing in postseason championships. With the Wilmington Blue Rocks (A+), Lexington Legends (A), and Idaho Falls Chukars (Rookie) each playing in their league’s championship series this week and the Royals Dominican Summer League affiliate winning their league championship over the weekend.

There are a lot of interesting prospects in the Royal’s farm system and they are learning how to win championships together.

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