MLB analyst sets the stage for the Royals to draft an exciting prep shortstop

To put it simply, the Kansas City Royals are not off to the start that they were hoping for. Going into Wednesday's games, they are in last place in the American League Central with a 28-39 record. 

They are 7.5 games back behind the Chicago White Sox, who have come out as one of MLB's biggest surprise stories this year. And if something doesn't change soon, they could be sellers at the deadline. 

However, if fans want something to look forward to, there is the draft coming up next month. And with it, the Royals have the No. 6 pick, which could bring in a game-changer. 

MORE: Royals climb the ladder following a massive week on the road

MLB analyst sets the stage for the Royals to draft an exciting prep shortstop

Like with every class, there is an exciting crop of players lined up to be taken in this year's draft. There's a good mix of promising college talent along with some high school talent as well. 

It's still up in the air, especially lately, with how the top three picks may play out, so teams drafting later will have to come in with plenty of backup options in mind. But with the sixth pick, it's a little easier. 

According to The Athletic's Keith Law, he's still unsure how this all will play out, but in his latest mock, he has a few players in mind for the Royals, with a slight lean toward Florida high school shortstop Jacob Lombard. 

"I've heard for a while that the Royals would love to get Grady Emerson or Lombard. If Jackson Flora is available, I think they'd take him. I don't think they take Eric Booth Jr. If everything fell apart, I think they could pick Gio Rojas to sign him at a discount."

There's a good chance Grady Emerson and Jackson Flora won't be available when the Royals get on the clock, or they could go with either of those. 

Lombard could still be available, and he would be a solid pick. He has plenty of juice in his bat, and scouts believe he will have no problem sticking at shortstop at the next level. 

Law rules out the speedy Eric Booth Jr., but doesn't rule out Florida high school pitcher Gio Rojas if the board doesn't line up in the Royals' favor. 

So, it could come down to Emerson, Flora, Lombard, or Rojas. 

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