Jackson Kowar

Kowar hasn't been hyped up the way org. mates Asa Lacy and Daniel Lynch have, but with a mid-90s fastball and one of the best changeups in the minors, he belongs in that same conversation. His Florida teammate Brady Singer beat him to the majors, but Singer was always seen as a quick-to-the-majors guy, while Kowar was more of a high-upside pitcher who would require more development. A lean 6-foot-5, Kowar worked on repeating his delivery and honing his command at the alternate site. Perhaps most importantly, he made impressive strides with his third-pitch curveball. Royals officials think he only needs an average curve to pitch near the top of the rotation, thanks to the quality of his fastball and changeup. He should head to Triple-A and will join the big-league rotation whenever the team thinks his command and consistency warrant the promotion.

Part of the Royals' potentially historic 2018 pitcher-heavy draft class, Kowar has been incredibly consistent on his march to the majors. He made 13 starts apiece at High-A and Double-A, logging almost identical ERA, FIP, WHIP and GB% at both stops. Kowar increased his dominance and efficiency (14.1 K-BB% at High-A, 18.4 K-BB% at Double-A) against tougher competition, and should begin his age-23 season at Triple-A. His 70-grade changeup may be the best pitch of any of the pitchers Kansas City selected in that draft. Hitters can't just sit on his low-to-mid-90s fastball, because if they do, his changeup will eat them alive. His fringe-average breaking ball is a distant third pitch, and its development will be critical to Kowar becoming a good No. 3 starter, rather than an acceptable No. 4 starter. His above-average control and advanced pitchability should allow him to make the most of his arsenal.