Royals in AFL: Dominant Staumont sharpening command

Few Minor League starters can approach Josh Staumont in terms of sheer velocity. The Royals right-hander, ranked No. 10 on the Royals’ Top 30 Prospects list, had the hardest fastball in the 2015 Draft and has routinely worked at 93-98 mph while pitching out of the rotation in pro ball — and he has sat in the upper 90s and hit 102 mph in shorter stints.

The highest pick ever (second round) from Azusa Pacific (Calif.), an NCAA Division II school that has produced seven big leaguers (including Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Stephen Vogt), Staumont has overpowered pro hitters. He led the Rookie-level Pioneer League in strikeouts per nine innings (14.6) in his debut and the entire Minors in the same category (12.2) in his first full season while also ranking second in whiffs (167).

But as nasty as Staumont’s fastball is, it doesn’t always find the strike zone. The quality run-and-sink that makes it even tougher to hit also makes it difficult to command. He also topped the Minors with 104 walks this year, matching the total of hits he allowed in 123 1/3 innings, and contributing to his 4-11, 4.23 record between Class A Advanced and Double-A.

So Staumont’s top priority in the Arizona Fall League is obvious: work toward harnessing his stuff, which also includes a hard downer curveball and a changeup with splitter action. He showed improvement late in the season at Double-A Northwest Arkansas, pitched well in the Texas League playoffs and has continued to do so with the Surprise Saguaros.

Staumont has surrendered just one run in his first three AFL starts, earning league pitcher of the week honors in the second week. He has given up five hits and four walks in 10 1/3 innings while striking out 11.

“I just want to continue making strides,” Staumont said. “It’s the end of my year, I’ve …

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