Pick 17 – Kansas City Royals
Selection: INF Miguel Tejada
The Kansas City Royals enter this draft in a familiar position—up against the cap, juggling decisions on several veterans, and somehow still managing to keep almost everyone they actually want. It’s a delicate dance they’ve performed for years, and once again their offseason will hinge on a handful of contract decisions that could meaningfully reshape the roster.
But this pick? This one is about future-proofing.
At No. 17 overall, the Royals have several intriguing options on the board. Yet it’s hard to argue against Miguel Tejada, one of the most talented and high-upside infield bats remaining.
Tejada is, to be clear, a project—but a project with real star equity:
- Strong contact/power blend, rare for a shortstop-capable infielder
- Already playable defensively, with room for positional flexibility
- Green traits across key offensive categories, signaling sustainable, long-term production
- A developmental timeline that fits perfectly with Kansas City’s ability to stash him in AAA without rushing
The Royals’ lineup is deep—and that’s putting it lightly. Top to bottom, it’s one of the more consistently productive groups in the league. But depth doesn’t last forever, especially when finances tighten. And the recent rumor that Tim Naehring might be available (at least was posted in the marketplace)only adds intrigue.
If Naehring does ever move, and that seems unlikely, Tejada becomes a potential starting infielder sooner than expected. Even if he stays, Tejada is the type of player you wait for—because when he fully fills out, he could be one of the premier bats at his position in the entire DBL.
Kansas City didn’t need to overthink this one.
They grabbed the best available bat, matched timeline to roster flexibility, and quietly added a player who could anchor the infield for the next decade.
Tejada isn’t just a pick.
He’s a plan.