Royals land Louisville outfielder Zion Rose at No. 6 in 2026 MLB Draft

The Kansas City Royals selected Zion Rose, a 6'1", 200-pound Louisville outfielder, with the No. 6 pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, betting on his powerful bat, speed, and defensive versatility. After an injury delayed his junior year, Rose slashed .417/.491/.646 with six homers in 173 plate appearances, and scouting notes from The Athletic, MLB.com, and Fangraphs highlight plus bat velocity, strong contact skills, and a path to center field or a solid left field profile. Rankings had him between 17th and 30th, suggesting underslot signing with the Royals also holding the 30th pick to target an overslot addition.