MLB Draft Day 1 Roundup
Reactions from Royals experts and around baseball
On the same day Nick Loftin added another walk-off knock to his ledger, scoring Tyler Tolbert in the bottom of the ninth to help the Royals take down the Mets in Sunday’s series finale, the organization added five prospects to the farm system on day one of the 2025 MLB Draft.
The early focus was on prep hitters as KC selected 2B/OF Sean Gamble out of IMG Academy in Florida and 3B Josh Hammond from Wesleyan Christian in North Carolina.
JJ Picollo and staff then turned their attention to arms with right-hander Michael Lombardi (Tulane) and funky lefty Justin Lamkin (Texas A&M) before dipping back into the prep pool for righty Cameron Millar from Alhambra High School in California.
I’m admittedly a novice when it comes to draft season; instead of feigning knowledge of the Royals’ day one selections, I’m turning it over to the experts for a roundup of thoughts on Kansas City’s first five selections in this season’s farm haul.
Pick 23: Sean Gamble, 2B/OF, IMG Academy
Gamble brings explosive athleticism and is a threat on the basepaths with a 60 run tool. Gamble was iffy on the circuit with his data and struggled to make consistent contact, though when he did it was consistently hard. He posted a 110 mph max exit velocity and has shown strong bat speed. Gamble has struggled with whiffs and needs to improve at identifying breaking balls to take off. He’s a versatile option defensively due to his athleticism and could fit in at shortstop or centerfield. — Danny Barrand, Padres coverage, via X
I don't love the Sean Gamble pick, I don't hate it. He's already 19 and his swing needs work, good athlete but I worry the Royals don't have a history of improving hit tools. I like that he's an OF. Hope they drafted him at #23 so they can take a bigger-money player at #28. — Rany Jazayerli, via X
Pick 28: Josh Hammond, 3B, Wesleyan Christian
Gives me some Corey Seager vibes from the right side of the plate, if it all comes together. This is a slam dunk pick here. — Preston Farr, via X
He is another player that fits the traits that Scouting Director Brian Bridges likes to draft. Hammond has the tools to be a power hitter. He hit .471 with 6 home runs, 28 RBIs. — Jaylon Thompson, via X
Pick 61: Michael Lombardi, RHP, Tulane
Tremendous fastball/curveball combination. KC continues the pattern of targeting great fastball traits. Reliever risk, but some really good stuff to build on here. — Preston Farr, via X
Pick 71: Justin Lamkin, LHP, Texas A&M
Low-90s FB that’s been up to 95 and gets a lot of chase and whiff. SL is his best pitch. Strike thrower with a real solid floor as a starter. — Jared Perkins, via X
While Lamkin doesn’t have the smoothest mechanics, they help him hide the ball well. His strike throwing has improved throughout his time in College Station, though his control stands out more than his command. His floor also is more notable than his ceiling, as he's a safe bet to become a back-of-the-rotation starter. — MLB.com scouting report
Pick 97: Cameron Millar, RHP, Alhambra HS
Actually I like Millar a good bit. He's got a good fastball and changeup and will need to build a better feel for his slider and breaking balls. Good upside there. — Matt Chabot, via X
This spring, he’s seen a big spike in his velocity, and he’s been up to 97 mph consistently every start, throwing his heater with 20 inches of inverted vertical break. His changeup has been a quality second offering, and while there’s been some question about the quality of spin and bite on his slider, he moves it well from side-to-side; some think there’s an above-average breaker in there eventually as well. — MLB.com scouting report