SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Following Eric Hosmer's deal with the San Diego Padres, which has been confirmed by multiple sources, the Royals' rebuild is about to get another major boost.
In fact, there is a scenario in which the Royals could get as many as five picks in the top 40 of this year's Draft. They almost certainly will have a top five bonus pool.
The team is projecting right now it should get at least four picks in the top 45.
The Royals will pick No. 18 overall as their normal selection in Round 1.
Because Hosmer signed for $144 million and Lorenzo Cain signed for $80 million with the Brewers, and both players received qualifying offers, the Royals will get two comp picks in the upper 30s -- possibly as high as No. 31, depending on what other free agents who were extended qualifying offers sign for.
The Royals also could get another pick in the 30s if free agent Mike Moustakas signs elsewhere for $50 million or more.
Kansas City will also get a Competitive Balance Round pick that could be as high as No. 39, though the Royals are projecting it to be around 40-45.
Even if Moustakas signs for less than $50 million, according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement's rules, that compensation pick would come after Competitive Balance Round B, which follows the second round.
Last year, the Twins had three picks in the top 50 and had the largest bonus pool at $14,156,800. They had picks Nos. 1, 35 and 37.