Versatile Tyler Tolbert primed for next step with KC Royals | Before the Crown

The Kansas City Royals have several prospects developing in their minor-league system. This year, The Star will highlight the next crop of talented players in a new series: “Before the Crown.”

Through this series, we’ll focus on Royals prospects making their journey toward the big leagues, especially those in camp at spring training.

This week, we spotlight Royals prospect Tyler Tolbert.

A rising star

Tyler Tolbert is quite familiar with his Kansas City Royals teammates.

Tolbert, 26, played alongside Bobby Witt Jr. in rookie ball. He was Single-A teammates with Maikel Garcia and spent time next to Michael Massey in High-A. Each player has made their Major League Baseball debut in recent years.

However, Tolbert is still awaiting his opportunity. It’s something he hopes to change in spring training.

“Any time you get invited to spring training, it’s a huge honor,” Tolbert said. “Being around the guys, it’s going to be a lot of learning. It’s good to have history with some of the guys. I’ve played with Nate (Eaton), Bobby and Massey coming up. There is some comfortability around because they are familiar faces. But I’m here to learn.”

Tolbert has worked his way through the Royals organization. He played in college at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. In 2019, the Royals drafted him in the 13th round of the MLB Draft.

His journey included a few obstacles. Tolbert missed the 2020 campaign due to Minor League Baseball shutting down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He reached High-A Quad Cities once the minors resumed operations.

Tolbert remained with Quad Cities in 2022. He also played internationally in Australia the following offseason. At each stop, Tolbert continued to develop and refine his skill set.

Last season, Tolbert took another big step in his career. He made the jump to Double-A and shined with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Tolbert hit .276 with 10 home runs, 50 RBIs and 50 steals in 126 games.

Tolbert recorded 143 hits and led the Texas League with 10 triples. He posted a .755 OPS (on-base plus slugging) and was named the George Brett Hitter of the Year in the Royals organization.

“The season was special and super fun,” Tolbert said. “I just want to say thank you to all my hitting coaches that are in the system and the people I’ve worked with out of the system as well.”

Honing his craft

Tolbert worked with several Royals hitting instructors. He spent time training with Drew Saylor, Nic Jackson and Chris Nelson. He also spoke with Royals Director of Player Development Mitch Maier.

The hitting instructors devised a new swing plan. Tolbert overhauled his hitting approach and headed to Australia to gain more at-bats ahead of the 2023 season.

Tolbert played for the Brisbane Bandits in Australia. He adjusted well to the swing change and started to demonstrate better plate discipline. He recorded a .297 batting average and 23 times in 152 plate appearances.

“It was just having more adjustability to the pitches,” Tolbert said. “The pitchers are really good and have a lot of movement and velocity. It’s adjustability, having space to hit and having a clean path. It’s just staying in the (strike) zone longer, honestly.”

Royals general manager J.J. Picollo was impressed with Tolbert’s 2023 campaign. He liked Tolbert’s versatility to play shortstop or either outfield spots.

“He’s multidimensional,” Picollo said. “You know, it’s a speed element to it. There’s a defensive element to it. He’s really improved with the bat and it’s a different type of player.”

The Royals value speed and defense in their organization. This offseason, KC signed utilityman Garrett Hampson and infielder Adam Frazier in free agency. Both players are set to play multiple positions.

Tolbert could be used in the same way. He is among several prospects who entered the spring in major-league camp. The group also includes 40-man roster additions Will Klein and Tyler Gentry among others.

Picollo didn’t rule out a potential stint with the big-league club this season.

“We’d be foolish to think we aren’t going to need them at some point this year,” Picollo said. “But, we need them to do what they need to do right now in the minor leagues and be ready whenever their time comes.”

Next in line

Tolbert will likely start in the minors this season. The Royals hope to see continued progression as he reaches the higher levels of their system. It’s possible Tolbert begins in Triple-A should he put together a strong spring.

For now, Tolbert is ready to contribute whenever his number is called.

“Just be where my feet are and enjoy the process wherever I land,” Tolbert said of his 2024 mentality. “I just want to make an impact on and off the field and just enjoy the time with my teammates. Cheer them on and just win honestly. Just do whatever I can do to help the team win.”