Yes, it's always weird to have the MLB Draft right in the middle of the season, preceding the All-Star break, but like every year, we get used to it and dive into the prospects the Kansas City Royals have bet their future on. Because of a poor 2026 showing so far this year, manager J.J. Picollo has had the "benefit" of getting two first-round picks (No. 6 and No. 30).
Something the Royals could really use is outfield help, which is exactly where they went with their first selection, Louisville's Zion Rose. But in many eyes, Rose was a major reach at six, especially with the chance to grab high school phenom Eric Booth Jr.
Rose was ranked 30th on the official MLB website draft prospect player rankings, whereas Booth was slotted at six. The irony of those numbers is all too apparent, and a further explanation that Picollo may have overshot Rose's standing amongst other MLB managers by a long shot.
The Royals make a bold claim on Zion Rose at sixth overall in the 2026 MLB Draft
The 6'1", 200lb Rose played three of his four collegiate seasons at Louisville, his final two hitting a .363 average, over 100 RBI's, nearly 20 home runs, and over a 1.00 OPS. He also shows off good athleticism and speed with 65 career stolen bases and just 69 strikeouts on over 560 at-bats.
He certainly has the talent of an MLB player and will likely carve out a role for himself on the team within a couple of years. But Zion Rose was ranked 30th for a reason. He's not an elite prospect, especially now 21 years old. Booth, on the other hand, is just 18 years old, plays the needed position of outfielder, and possesses raw talent that jumps off the screen, as he will no doubt surpass the level of player Rose is once he is 21, if Booth is already not better.
The Royals have hit on draft picks before, as Jac Caglianone and Carter Jensen are the most recent emerging stars. But over Picollo's tenure its been more miss than hit, and Rose, even if he turns out to be solid, which I think he will, will continue to have a looming shadow cast over him.
This would especially be the case if Booth ends up turning into a superstar and the Royals are cursing themselves for a clear draft blunder. Only time will tell.
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