Rylan Kaufman

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Kansas City Royals #25 prospect in 2019
  Track Record: The Royals' 12th-round pick, Kaufman signed for $722,500--a higher signing bonus than all but their first four picks in 2018. Kaufman posted a 7-1, 2.18 record for a San Jacinto (Texas) JC team that advanced to the Junior College World Series.
  
  Scouting Report: Kaufman's most notable strength is his extremely high spin-rate breaking ball--a slurvy pitch that comes through with curveball shape at 73-76 mph. His fastball ranges from 87-93 mph, but the velocity should jump as he adds strength to his tall, lean body. Kaufman's changeup has good action at 83-84 mph, routinely drawing swings and misses. He uses a free and easy delivery with a sneaky arm action that hides the ball well from hitters. The Royals also like Kaufman's baseball savvy and intelligence, rooming him with the more experienced Brady Singer during instructional league.
  
  The Future: Kaufman pitched at two levels in 2018, making very brief appearances in both the Rookie-level Arizona and Pioneer leagues. He may be held back in extended spring training to better manage his innings, but he could get to low Class A Lexington at some point in 2019.