KC top pick Gamble was a fan first, now he's in the organization

Sean Gamble, the Kansas City Royals' first-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, was officially introduced by the organization on Friday. Gamble, 19, signed late last week, receiving a $4 million signing bonus, slightly exceeding the slot value for the 23rd overall pick. The signing occurred at Kauffman Stadium, the same ballpark where Gamble attended his first MLB game as a 10-year-old in 2016, watching the then-reigning World Series champion Royals.

Reflecting on his first visit nearly a decade ago, Gamble expressed how it fueled his dream to play for the Royals, stating, "It means the world" and feeling the "stars kind of aligned" for his selection by the hometown team. Despite Friday's game being rained out, he visited the clubhouse and walked onto the field.

Gamble was selected from IMG Academy in Florida but is a native of Des Moines, Iowa, making Kansas City a convenient three-hour drive for his family. His father, Kyle, also noted the proximity of several Royals affiliates (Omaha, Northwest Arkansas, Quad Cities) to Des Moines, which is welcome after the family watched Sean develop from afar at the baseball-focused boarding school for the past four years.

Royals area scout Vance Vizcaino, who first saw Gamble in 2023, highlighted his athleticism, hustle, joy, and exceptional make-up. Vizcaino witnessed Gamble develop into a hitter with a smooth left-handed swing, barrel control, and zone discipline. Gamble is also described as an elite runner and a plus defender capable of playing outfield and second base. Vizcaino expressed strong belief in Gamble's continued development and future potential.

Gamble's immediate development plan involves returning to Arizona to build up and begin playing in games there. Royals GM J.J. Picollo indicated a move to an affiliate later this summer is possible, calling the process "day to day." Gamble is prepared to play wherever the Royals assign him, having worked in both the outfield (with Rusty Kuntz) and at second base (with Tommy Shields) during the Draft mini-camp.

The Royals have signed 20 of their 21 draft picks following the July 13th Draft, plus four undrafted free agents (Hunter Ensley, Max Poirier, Cory Ronan, Ryan Ure). The only unsigned selection is 19th-round pick Dylan Wood, an Arizona commit, with a signing deadline of Monday. The Royals announced the signing of 18th-round pick Grayson Boles on Saturday, who received a $500,000 bonus.