The Royals have plenty to sort through this offseason, and the Rule 5 Draft sits right in the middle of that decision tree. Before any possible lockout changes the landscape, Kansas City will have to decide which prospects deserve a spot on the 40-man roster.
A weak American League Central in 2026 has kept the runway open for a Royals push in 2027, but that only happens if the roster keeps moving forward. That means the club can’t afford to let useful young talent slip away for nothing.
Carson Roccaforte looks like the clearest case. He broke out in 2026, crushing 30 home runs and adding 24 more extra-base hits in Double-A before getting bumped to Triple-A.
In 128 games, he hit .256 with an OPS in the mid-800s. He still has only 28 games of Triple-A experience, but a rebuilding club would absolutely be willing to take the shot on an outfielder with that kind of power.
Roccaforte needs protection.
Gavin Cross is another name the Royals can’t really risk losing. The 9th overall pick in the 2022 draft has not matched the expectations that came with his draft slot, but he still turned in a solid 2026 season.
His strikeout and walk rates continued to trend the wrong way, yet he hit .247 with 42 extra-base hits and stole 23 bases. Even if that production doesn’t scream star, Kansas City should protect him rather than let a former first-round pick walk away only five years later.
Brett Squires also has a strong case. The Royals may not have an obvious opening at first base next season, but he was the organization’s Minor League Player of the Year and turns 27 soon.
In Triple-A, he put together an .892 OPS, 51 extra-base hits and 15 stolen bases. That kind of season usually gets rewarded with a roster spot.
The same logic applies to Jacob Berry, who came over late in the year and made enough noise to stay in the conversation. The Royals acquired him near the end of the season, and in 29 games after the trade, the 25-year-old posted eight home runs and seven doubles. That production is enough to warrant a place on the 40-man roster, at least at the start of the season.
Lucas Braun fits the depth angle. Kansas City got him at the trade deadline in the deal that sent Lane Thomas and Bailey Falter to the Atlanta Braves, and even though he struggled after the trade, the Royals still need more starting pitching options. Braun can help there, which makes him a logical player to protect.
Peyton Wilson rounds out the list. The Royals may not be hurting for infield help, but Wilson earned his own look after a productive season. The soon-to-be 27-year-old hit .276 and finished with 29 doubles and 17 stolen bases, enough to make him a reasonable Rule 5 protection candidate as well.
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