​Draft day is here, and that means it’s time to start a thread where we can discuss whatever the Royals decide to do with their picks. First things first: let’s map out how to watch the event, because the coverage isn’t as straightforward as you might expect.
Draft coverage begins at noon Central Time on NBC and Peacock, carrying the first 10 picks, which includes the Royals at sixth overall. The next 30 picks won’t be on NBC, but they will still be available on Peacock. In addition, MLB Network, MLB.TV, MLB+, and MLB.com will also stream those picks, with coverage expected to start around 1:30 p.m. Central. At 3:30 p.m. Central, MLB Network will discontinue its coverage, but the rest of the first four rounds will continue on the remaining platforms previously listed.
The fifth round and the remainder of the draft span an eight-hour period starting tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. Central. Those rounds will be available only on MLB.com, MLB.TV, and MLB+. MLB’s wish to rival the NFL and NBA drafts is evident in the coverage split, especially since NBC is limiting itself to the first 10 picks. The fact that three-quarters of the draft occurs while MLB games are being played and while the Futures Game airs underscores the ongoing challenge MLB faces in designing a broadcast plan that keeps fans engaged across all rounds. It’s an old debate, but a relevant one for understanding how to follow the draft this year.
As for the Royals, they’ve been connected to a number of prospects, and once you move past the top tier, the path of the draft becomes rather unpredictable. There’s no consensus on the exact order they’ll pick, which makes this year’s process especially intriguing. You can find all of our draft previews here to get a sense of the contenders and likelihoods. My personal favorite candidate among those likely to reach the Royals is Drew Burress, though the rumor mill is increasingly linking the Royals to Eric Booth Jr. Keith Law’s latest mock still places the pick with Burress, while Kiley McDaniel’s projection has Booth Jr. in the mix. There’s also a real option they could go underslot with someone like Jared Grindlinger, whose name carries a certain intrigue even if the profile isn’t as high-profile as some others.
As the picks start rolling in, Matthew LaMar will bring you all the details, but for now, this is the place to discuss every development. Who do you hope the Royals select with their top pick? Which prospect do you think has the best chance to contribute soon, and who could become a long-term piece of the franchise? Share your thoughts, reactions, and predictions as the draft unfolds, and let’s break down each pick, potential signings, and the implications for the Royals’ farm system and major-league competitiveness in the coming seasons.