The future is bright for the Kansas City Royals.

In recent years, the club has added premium talent to its minor-league system. And fans have gotten a sneak peek this spring.

Royals top prospect Jac Caglianone is the talk of big-league camp. Local KC products Carter Jensen, Noah Cameron and Ben Kudrna also continue to make a strong first impression.

On Friday, the Royals will see their prospects on the grand stage. KC is slated to face the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second annual MLB Spring Breakout Game.

The exhibition will feature the top minor-leaguers in each team’s system. First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. Central at Salt River Stadium at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Caglianone will headline the Royals roster. This spring, he is hitting .500 (7-for-14) with three home runs, five RBIs and a 1.874 OPS.

Royals coaches rave about Caglianone’s development. He is likely to start the 2025 season in Double-A Northwest Arkansas. However, Caglianone is on the fast track to arrive in Kansas City sooner than expected.

Other names on the roster include Blake Mitchell and Gavin Cross. Both are former first-round picks.

Mitchell will not play after undergoing surgery to repair a right hamate bone fracture. He is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with the injury. Cross, who was selected ninth overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, was a non-roster invitee this spring.

Here is a guide to Friday’s MLB Spring Breakout Game.

Royals Spring Breakout Game Roster

*Top 30 players in parentheses

Pitchers: RHP Felix Arronde (No. 18), RHP Luinder Avila (No. 19), RHP Drew Beam (No. 14), LHP Noah Cameron (No. 5), RHP Eric Cerantola (No. 28), RHP Ben Kudrna (No. 4), LHP Frank Mozzicato (No.12), LHP David Shields (No. 8), RHP Blake Wolters (No. 9), RHP Hiro Wyatt (No. 16), RHP Steven Zobac (No. 7).

Catchers: Carter Jensen (No. 3), Blake Mitchell (No. 2), Ramon Ramirez (No. 10), Hyungchan Um (No. 29)

Infielders: Jac Caglianone (No. 1), Austin Charles (No. 15), Yandel Ricardo (No. 11), Brett Squires, Jhonayker Ugarte (No. 17), Javier Vaz (No. 13), Daniel Vazquez (No. 27).

Outfielders: Gavin Cross (No. 6), Tyler Gentry (No. 25), Asbel Gonzalez (No. 23), Spencer Nivens (No. 30), Carson Roccaforte (No. 21)

Pitcher to Watch: LHP David Shields

The Royals invested in Shields early in the 2024 MLB Draft. He was selected in the second round and received a $2.3 million signing bonus.

Shields was drafted out of Mt. Lebanon (Penn.) High School. He was committed to the University of Miami but decided to turn pro.

The Royals sent Shields to the instructional league following the MLB Draft. He got acclimated to the organization and will officially join a minor-league affiliate this season.

First, he will get a chance to showcase his immense talent on Friday. The 18-year-old standout already has a fastball that sits around 93 mph consistently. There are plans for him to continue adding to his pitching repertoire in the coming years.

The Royals are excited about his projection. As a former two-sport athlete, Shields has the talent to grow immensely.

Hitter to Watch: 3B/SS Austin Charles

The Royals took a chance on Austin Charles in the 2022 MLB Draft. He was a 20th round selection as the organization was looking for transferable traits.

At first glance, Charles has impressive size. He stands at 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds. That was the first thing that stood out to Royals vice president of scouting Danny Ontiveros.

Ontiveros compared Charles to New York Yankees star Aaron Judge. Despite the lofty comparison, Charles has steadily improved with the Royals.

Last season, Charles hit .257 with 10 home runs and 64 RBIs. He logged 124 strikeouts but demonstrated growth at the plate. Additionally, Charles added 36 stolen bases while adjusting defensively at multiple positions.

The Royals named Charles the Alex Gordon Heart and Hustle Award recipient for his work on and off the field in 2024.

Charles has the physical tools. He received a full year in Single-A Columbia and could be ready for High-A pitching this season.

Spring Breakout Encore?

There are several Royals prospects who will make their second MLB Spring Breakout Game appearance.

Last season, Noah Cameron pitched 2 ⅓ innings against the Milwaukee Brewers. He surged through the Royals system and finished 2024 in Triple-A Omaha. Cameron could be in line to make his MLB debut in 2025.

Carson Roccaforte made a diving catch in the 2024 showcase. Meanwhile, Brett Squires had a two-run single to fuel the Royals offense. Both return this spring.

Expect Gavin Cross, Ben Kudrna and Daniel Vazquez to also build upon their spring breakout resume on Friday night.