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ACL Royals: Five young bats making noise in Surprise
Based in Surprise, the ACL Royals are grinding through the Arizona Complex League schedule as Kansas City’s rookie-level affiliate — a daily classroom for prospects breaking into pro ball. [1][2][3]Infielder Tyson Moran has set the tone early, pairing thump with contact in roughly two months of work (.296/.338/.537, 3 HR, .875 OPS in about 65 PA), the kind of production that tends to travel when roster spots open up down the ladder. [4]Jhonayker Ugarte has bounced between third and short and kept the line moving with patience and lift, posting a .265/.406/.408 line in roughly 64 plate appearances as his approach tightens against complex-league arms. [4]In the outfield, Corey Cousin keeps finding base and turning singles into pressure, sitting at .298/.443/.511 with five steals in 61 trips and looking the part of the primary center fielder in Surprise. [4]Darison Garcia’s return run through the ACL is flashing real on-base skill and wheels — .277/.452/.404 over 62 plate appearances with 14 steals and a 126 wRC+ — giving the Royals table-setting speed up the middle. [4]Highly regarded international shortstop Ramcell Medina is getting his feet under him after a strong DSL foundation; the early ACL line (.240/.361/.280, 61 PA) suggests there’s more to come as he adjusts to the level. [4]With that group stacking quality at-bats, each has built a credible case for a midseason look with Low‑A Columbia once opportunities arise, a familiar progression for this complex group. The work continues under the Surprise lights as the league’s younger Royals sharpen their games for the next stop. [1][2][4]