Royals add Asa Lacy to the 60-man Club Pool

The Royals announced they have added 2020 first-round pick Asa Lacy to the 60-man club pool, and assigned him to their Alternate Site at T-Bones Stadium in Kansas City, Kansas. Joining him will be right-handed pitcher Carlos Hernandez, who was also assigned to the Alternate Site.

Lacy was the fourth overall pick in the June draft two months ago and had been working out at his home in Texas. This move may just mean the Royals want him to work under the supervision of their coaches, but it does open the possibility that he could get in some Major League action at some point this year. Lacy is not on the 40-man roster, which could be an obstacle in getting him into some action. Other 2020 first-round picks in their respective Club Pool include Spencer Torkelson with the Tigers and Max Meyer with the Marlins, both of whom were selected ahead of Lasy, as well as Austin Martin with the Blue Jays, Emerson Hancock with the Mariners, and Nick Gonzales of the Pirates.

Hernandez is a 23-year old from Venezuela who posted a 5.31 ERA with 68 strikeouts and 24 walks in 57 ²⁄₃ innings in Low-A ball and Rookie ball. He has had trouble staying healthy, but has a plus fastball in the upper-90s and he is ranked as the #11 prospect in the system by MLB Pipeline.

Players in the 60-man club pool do not accrue MLB service time or receive MLB pay unless they are on the active roster.