Royals’ minor league affiliates announce rosters

SURPRISE, AZ - MARCH 20: Kansas City Royals catcher Blake Mitchell (2) is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after hitting a home run against the Texas Rangers during a Spring Breakout game on March 20, 2026, at Surprise Stadium at Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The next wave of talent in the Kansas City Royals pipeline is ready to take the field. While the Omaha Storm Chasers have already gotten underway, the rest of the organization’s minor league clubs open their seasons Thursday with freshly announced rosters loaded with intriguing prospects and familiar big league names.

The Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers will feature an experienced and talented pitching staff with arms that contributed to the Royals last season, including Luinder Avila, Ryan Bergert, and Steven Cruz. Mason Black, Eli Morgan, Aaron Sanchez, and Mitch Spence all have MLB experience, as does Jose Cuas, who pitched for the Royals from 2022-23. Top pitching prospect Ben Kudrna is also on the pitching staff, as is lefty Helcris Olivárez, who impressed in spring training.

The lineup will feature former first-round pick Gavin Cross, who came on strong at the end of the year. John Rave contributed to the Royals last season, and Kameron Misner is a former Mizzou star who has spent time in the big leagues with the Rays. Elias Díaz, Brandon Drury, Connor Kaiser, Kevin Newman, Josh Rojas, and Abraham Toro all have MLB experience as well.

The Royals also recently outrighted Drew Waters to the roster in Omaha. Your 2026 Omaha Storm Chasers ⚡️ 📰: https://t. co/llU6DshskT pic.