Royals’ affiliates reveal minor league rosters

Full-season minor league play will begin tonight, and Royals’ affiliates have unveiled their rosters to begin the year. The top prospects in the system will be in Wilmington, with top hitting prospects Seuly Matias, Nick Pratto, MJ Melendez, and Kyle Isbel joining a trio of pitchers from last year’s draft - Brady Singer, Daniel Lynch, and Jackson Kowar.

Omaha’s roster will include outfielders Brett Phillips, Jorge Bonifacio, and Bubba Starling could all end up in the Kansas City outfield before very long. The Storm Chasers will also feature infielder Nicky Lopez and pitcher Richard Lovelady, both of whom could find their way to Kansas City some time this season as well.

Northwest Arkansas will be highlighted by top hitting prospect Khalil Lee, who ended his season with the Naturals last year. The Naturals should have a fair amount of speed with infielder D.J. Burt and outfielder Nick Heath also on the roster.

The Lexington Legends will try to defend their South Atlantic League title with a roster full of 2018 draft picks like pitchers Kris Bubic, Austin Cox, Jonathan Bowlan, and Jon Heasley. The outfield will feature international prospect Juan Carlos Negret, who the Royals signed away from the Braves, and outfielder Michael Gigliotti, who is returning after missing most of last season with a knee injury.

Short-season clubs in Idaho Falls and Burlington will announce rosters closer to when they begin play in June. According to Royals Farm Report, a number of players will work out in extended spring training in Arizona, including former first-round pick Ashe Russell, as well as pitchers Evan Steel, Janser Lara, Carlos Hernandez, and Yohanse Morel.

Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA)

Manager: Brian Poldberg

Catchers: Nick Dini, Andrew Susac

Infielders: Humberto Arteaga, Cheslor Cuthbert, Jecksson Flores, Kelvin Gutierrez, Nicky Lopez, Erick Mejia

Outfielders: Jorge Bonifacio, Elier Hernandez, Brett Phillips, Bubba Starling

Pitchers: Scott Blewett, Heath Fillmyer, Foster Griffin, Arnaldo Hernandez, Kevin Lenik, Ben Lively, Richard Lovelady, Zach Lovvorn, Andres Machado, Jake Newberry, Glenn Sparkman, Josh Staumont, Michael Ynoa

Northwest Arkansas Naturals (AA)

Manager: Darryl Kennedy

Catchers: Xavier Fernandez, Meibrys Viloria

Infielders: D.J. Burt, Gabriel Cancel, Samir Duenez, Taylor Featherston, Travis Jones, Emmanuel Rivera

Outfielders: Nick Heath, Khalil Lee, Anderson Miller, Kort Peterson

Pitchers: Andrew Beckwith, Gerson Garabito, Grant Gavin, Ofreidy Gomez, Conner Greene, Jake Kalish, Yunior Marte, Emilio Ogando, Walker Sheller, Andres Sotillet, Gabe Speier, Franco Terrero, and Jace Vines.

Injured list: Nathan Esposito

Restricted list: Jon Perrin, Junior Reyes

Wilmington Blue Rocks (High A)

Manager: Scott Thorman

Catchers: M.J. Melendez, Sebastian Rivero

Infielders: Ricky Aracena, Dennicher Carrasco, Angelo Castellano, Martin Gasparini, Cristian Perez, Nick Pratto

Outfielders: Kyle Isbel, Brewer Hicklen, Seuly Matias, Blake Perkins

Pitchers: Holden Capps, J.C. Cloney, Daniel Duarte, Robert Garcia, Jackson Kowar, Rito Lugo, Daniel Lynch, Ted Ratliff, Brady Singer, Collin Snider, Daniel Tillo, Nolan Watson, Tyler Zuber

Lexington Legends (Low A)

Manager: Brooks Conrad

Catchers: Freddy Fermin, Nick Hutchins, Chase Vallot

Infielders: Nathan Eaton, Jeison Guzman, Rubendy Jaquez, Matt Morales, Reed Rohlman

Outfielders: Eric Cole, Michael Gigliotti, Jackson Lueck, Juan Carlos Negret

Pitchers: Jonathan Bowlan, Kris Bubic, Austin Cox, Josh Dye, Yerelmy Garcia, Tyler Gray, Zach Haake, Jon Heasley, Kyle Hinton, Daniel James, Austin Lambright, Marcelo Martinez, Charlie Neuweiler