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KC Royals News: 2020 MLB Draft shortened from 40 rounds to 5

By Leigh Oleszczak

SECAUCUS, NJ - JUNE 03: A general view of the first round draft board prior to the 2019 Major League Baseball Draft at Studio 42 at the MLB Network on Monday, June 3, 2019 in Secaucus, New Jersey. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
SECAUCUS, NJ - JUNE 03: A general view of the first round draft board prior to the 2019 Major League Baseball Draft at Studio 42 at the MLB Network on Monday, June 3, 2019 in Secaucus, New Jersey. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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KC Royals news includes how the 2020 MLB Draft will be shortened due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead of 40 rounds, there will only be five, which obviously changes draft strategies for teams.

The Kansas City Royals hold the fourth overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft and while their first round strategy might not change with the shortening of the draft, they might go in different directions for rounds two through five.

The Royals drafted well in the beginning of Dayton Moore’s stint as general manager, but the first round picks from 2009 and on didn’t really turn into what the franchise was hoping for. There’s hope with the last two first rounders, as Brady Singer had a lot of hype entering spring training and Bobby Witt Jr. was arguably the best athlete in last year’s draft.

It’ll be interesting to see what is normally a lengthy draft trimmed down to just five rounds, but it makes sense with all that’s going on in the world. There’s a good chance that the majority of the players hoping to make their big league dreams come true will opt to return to school (assuming they have that option) rather than risk going undrafted.

CHECK OUT WHAT’S TRENDING IN KC ROYALS NEWS FROM AROUND FanSided

"The Royals could go college pitching heavy again in the 2020 Draft. The college prospect depth in this draft is quite deep and the Royals scouting department has a chance to continue their recent success."

HERE’S WHAT’S TRENDING IN KC ROYALS NEWS FROM AROUND THE REST OF THE WEB

As John McCarty’s article above mentions, there are three prospects the Royals could look into drafting – Two of them being pitchers and the other being an infielder.

The Royals have made it a point to fixate on pitching in years past, especially in 2018 when they went with collegiate pitchers with each of their first five picks. While none of those pitchers have made it to the majors yet, 2020 was supposed to be a big year for them in reaching that goal.

This year’s draft will be a unique experience, but hopefully the Royals can find impact players who can help them get on the right path back to contending for a World Series.

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