The Royals were not awarded a competitive balance draft pick for the 2015 draft after the lottery was held today. The competitive balance picks were created in 2011 to be instituted in the 2013 draft to assist small market teams. As Jim Callis explains:
the Competitive Balance Lottery gives teams who have either one of the 10 smallest markets or 10 smallest revenue pools one of six additional choices after each of the first and second rounds. Additionally, any other clubs that are eligible to receive revenue-sharing funds are eligible for the supplemental second-round selections. This year, the Athletics, Brewers, Cardinals, D-backs, Indians, Marlins, Orioles, Padres, Pirates, Rays, Reds, Rockies and Royals have a shot at the supplemental first-round picks. Whichever teams from that group don't get one of those will be eligible for the supplemental second-rounders, as will the Mariners and Twins.
The Royals failed to receive a draft pick in either round, with the selections instead going to:
Round A
1. Marlins
2. Rockies
3. Cardinals
4. Brewers
5. Padres
6. Indians
Round B
1. Reds
2. Athletics
3. Mariners
4. Twins
5. Orioles
6. Diamondbacks
In 2013, the Royals used their competitive balance pick on pitcher Sean Manaea, the 34th selection overall, and in 2014 they used their competitive balance pick on catcher Chase Vallot, the 40th selection overall. They are the only franchise to have competitive balance picks the first two years the competitive balance draft rounds were implemented.