How Kansas City Royals prospects are performing in this year’s Arizona Fall League
The Kansas City Royals are preparing for a critical offseason. After a disappointing 56-106 campaign, the Royals have plans to improve the overall roster.
October is typically reserved for postseason reflection. However, the Royals are still in evaluation mode after sending eight players to the Arizona Fall League (AFL).
The AFL began on Oct. 2. It represents another opportunity for players to develop with in-game experience. This season, the Royals sent reliever Angel Zerpa and infielder Nick Loftin among their representatives.
Top Royals prospects Gavin Cross (No. 6) and Peyton Wilson (No. 26) are other notable players who have joined the Surprise Saguaros roster.
The Saguaros are comprised of minor-league prospects from the Royals, Texas Rangers, Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers and Toronto Blue Jays.
Surprise went 3-4 in their first week of action. Several Royals made contributions as league play continues on Tuesday night.
Here is a look at how the Royals prospects have done so far...
Nick Loftin
Loftin has appeared in one AFL game so far. However, he made a strong impression after his MLB promotion.
In September, Loftin hit .323 (20-for-62) with 10 RBIs. He also played multiple positions, including second, third and first base.
The Royals hope Loftin can record more at-bats in Arizona.
Loftin was originally slated to play in winter ball. He was given the chance to play this fall due to his wife’s impending pregnancy. It will be an easier commute, as he resides in Arizona.
“I’m going to be able to stay at my house, play more baseball and be able to help my wife out,” Loftin said in September. “I’m very thankful for the opportunity and for the Royals to be able to manage that one for me.”
Angel Zerpa
Zerpa has made one start with the Saguaros. He pitched one inning and allowed a hit during the opening week. Zerpa looks to log innings after missing 91 games with left shoulder tendinopathy.
This season, Zerpa was 3-3 with a 4.85 ERA in 15 games. He operated as a “bulk” reliever to help bridge the gap following a Royals opener. Zerpa will have a chance to compete for a starting rotation spot in spring training.
“He missed a lot of time this year,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said earlier this season. “So, we feel we need to get innings on him this year so we feel comfortable building him up next year in a responsible way.”
Peyton Wilson
Wilson is off to a strong start through four games. He is hitting .375 (6-for-16) with two doubles, two RBIs and three runs scored. Wilson also recorded a .974 OPS (on-base plus slugging) to fuel the Saguaros’ offense.
This season, Wilson recorded 33 doubles in 128 games with Double-A Northwest Arkansas. He also added six homers, 65 RBIs and 19 stolen bases.
Gavin Cross
Cross returned to action after missing significant time this season. He was sidelined since Aug. 9 with an illness after his promotion to Double-A Northwest Arkansas.
In three games, Cross is hitting .273 with four steals. The Royals hope he can log more at-bats to build momentum heading into the 2024 season.
Four pitchers see action
Jacob Wallace has made two appearances for the Saguaros. He allowed one run and recorded five strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings.
Meanwhile, Eric Cerantola made one start. Cerantola struck out four batters in three innings. He also allowed one run and surrendered a walk.
Royals prospect Rylan Kaufman has two strikeouts while pitcher Beck Way has not seen action so far.
