Frank Mozzicato gets the call up to Double-A Northwest Arkansas
On May 18, 2025, the Royals promoted their No. 12 ranked prospect, left-handed pitcher Frank Mozzicato to Double-A Northwest Arkansas, marking a significant milestone in his professional career.
Before his promotion, Mozzicato showcased great stuff with the High-A Quad Cities River Bandits. In seven starts, he achieved:
- ERA: 1.24
- WHIP: 1.02
- Innings Pitched: 36.1
- Strikeouts: 37
- Opponent Batting Average: .131
His dominance was further highlighted by being named the Midwest League’s April Pitcher of the Month.
Now he’ll get another test with more experienced hitters in Double-A. The Royals selected him seventh overall in 2021. His promotion this early in the season speaks to the Royals continued faith in him. It hasn’t been smooth sailing for Mozzicato in his Royals’ tenure. He was a “big surprise” to MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo when he was drafted, and has battled command issues. His development has been slow relative to his draft slot, but the Royals investment in him is beginning to materialize.
Ramon Ramirez continues to introduce himself to the baseball community in 2025.
Royals No. 10 prospect Ramon Ramirez has caught my full attention this year by ripping the cover off the baseball. He had a game to remember on Saturday smacking two home runs including a walk-off in the 11th.
In his last 10 games he’s raised his batting average 33 points for a .260/.361/.520 slash line. He’s responded very well to his first year in Single-A which is a major adjustment from rookie ball. He leads the Carolina League with 33 RBIs and is tied for the lead with eight homers.
His tools are mouth watering, but at just 19 years old, he’s got a ways to go in his development. He’s still a bat-first catcher but the Royals like how he’s progressed there. Whether he stays there or learn first base or a corner outfield spot, the tools are juicy and advanced for his age. He’s dripping with potential.
2024 2nd round pick David Shields makes professional debut
Royals No. 8 prospect David Shields was impressive in his pro baseball debut for the Fireflies in Single-A. He went four innings allowing two hits, but struck out five and didn’t allow a run. Shield reclassified his senior season in 2024 so he was just 17 when the Royals drafted him. He was a quarterback and a pitcher in high school, and the Royals are counting on that plus athleticism. A bout with mono just prior to the start of his 2024 season slowed him out of the gate, but he went 5-0 with a 0.25 ERA, 52 strikeouts and just three walks, earning his way to Pennsylvania Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year. He already has a ton of upside as a strike thrower with a smooth delivery.
His big leg kick reminds me of Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers:
Shields throws from a low arm slot but doesn’t offer a lot of velocity right now. He was sitting 93-94 mph with his fastball at the instructional league at the end of ‘24, but currently is around 89-91. The Royals are banking on Shields power to develop as he matures and his projection does as well. The Royals believe he has the makeup to be a No. 2 starter for them if he can develop a solid breaking ball to go with his heater.
Noah Cameron makes history with another quality start for Royals
I knew Cameron would make his MLB debut this season, it was just a matter of when. What has surprised me is just how effective he’s been in his two outings in the Major Leagues. He’s looked fantastic and I was fortunate enough to see him live and last Saturday in the loss to the Cards. He fills the strike zone man.
He threw 6 1/3 innings in his last outing, giving up one run on two hits. Simply put, the Cards couldn’t do anything with him. His emergence as a starter comes at the perfect time as the Royals are dealing with a depleted rotation with the injuries to Seth Lugo (right middle finger sprain) and Cole Ragans (left groin strain). They both were moved to the 15-day IL before Saturday’s game. Cameron has pitched in seven games for Triple-A Omaha this season with a 3.31 ERA and 38 strikeouts and 32.2 innings, but for the Royals he’s been even better. He has a 0.71 ERA in 12.2 innings with six strikeouts only allowing three hits.
Bank On It! 
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