The Kansas City Royals won 122 games last season—122! And somehow, they walked away from this draft with two first-round picks. Let that sink in.
They had their own 20th overall pick, which they used to take reliever Troy Percival, but they also managed to trade their way into the 22nd pick—a selection that originally belonged to the St. Louis Cardinals before bouncing around the league until it landed in Kansas City’s hands. They used that pick to grab second baseman Quilvio Veras.
Troy Percival (20th Pick) – A Power Reliever with Immediate Upside
Kansas City’s first selection was right-handed reliever Troy Percival, a power arm who brings some serious potential to the table. His numbers jump off the scouting report:
- Stuff: 16
- Movement: 14
- Control: 12
He’s got a four-pitch mix, featuring a fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup. The fastball and curveball are his best offerings, with the changeup coming in third, while his slider is just average.
Now, the Royals have a decision to make with Percival. His potential is clear, but his control could use some refinement. They could start him in Triple-A, let him fine-tune his command, and bring him up when he’s fully ready. On the other hand, his numbers are already strong enough that he could be an ML-ready bullpen piece from Day 1. Given Kansas City’s dominant roster, they have the luxury of taking their time with him—but don’t be shocked if he’s contributing to a pennant race sooner rather than later.
Quilvio Veras (22nd Pick) – A Costly, but Intriguing Addition
Kansas City didn’t stop at Percival. They wanted another impact player and paid the price to get one, giving up:
- 1995 second-round pick
- 1996 third-round pick
- 1996 fourth-round pick
- 1997 third-round pick
On paper, that sounds like a lot of future assets heading to Cleveland, the team that originally held the 22nd pick. But there’s a catch—Kansas City is always good. That means these picks are likely late-round selections, making them far less valuable than they might seem at first glance. For Cleveland, it’s a long-term play. For Kansas City, it’s about winning now.
So, what are they getting in Veras?
Veras is a defensive-minded second baseman with speed—the type of player who can impact the game on the basepaths and in the field. His biggest strengths:
- Good defensive instincts at 2B
- High plate discipline (Eye)
- Low strikeout rate (Avoid K’s)
- Excellent speed
That combination suggests he won’t be a power bat, but he should find ways to get on base, use his speed, and make things happen offensively.
Veras will almost certainly start in Triple-A, and Kansas City has the luxury of keeping him there—because Roberto Alomar is already locked in at second base at the major league level. That gives the Royals time to develop Veras without needing to rush him.
Let’s be real—the rich got richer. Kansas City found an elite bullpen arm in Percival and added a strong infield prospect in Veras without giving up a first-rounder.
For Cleveland? That remains to be seen. If those picks turn into contributors, they’ll feel good about the deal. But if Kansas City keeps winning—and history suggests they will—those picks won’t amount to much.
For now, Kansas City looks like the clear winner—but that’s what happens when an elite team drafts well.