‘He didn’t panic’: Tyler Gentry developing as top-10 Royals prospect | Before the Crown

The Kansas City Royals have several notable prospects developing in their minor-league system. This year, The Star is highlighting that next crop of talented players in a new series: “Before the Crown.”

In this series, we focus on Royals prospects and chronicle their journey toward the big leagues. And that continues this week with Tyler Gentry.

Two calls and a swing adjustment

Tyler Gentry didn’t hesitate to answer his phone. The incoming call was from a phone number he had saved in his contacts.

Mitch Maier, who is the Kansas City Royals’ director of player development, had some news to deliver. Gentry had secured his spot on the Royals’ 40-man roster.

“I got the call, I guess it would’ve been in November,” Gentry said. “It was first from our farm director (Maier) to let me know and congratulate me.”

Later, Gentry received another call. This time, Royals general manager J.J. Picollo was on the line to discuss the recent promotion.

“J.J. called and congratulated me,” Gentry said. “It was exciting and I thanked them. I gave them a lot of gratitude because it was very exciting for me. I was very thankful. It was an exciting day to celebrate with my family and friends.”

Gentry, 25, was selected in the third round of the 2020 MLB Draft. The Royals drafted Gentry after he starred at the University of Alabama.

Gentry hit at every level in the minor leagues. He appeared in 129 games with Triple-A Omaha last season and logged impressive numbers. Gentry hit .253 with 16 home runs, 71 RBIs and 28 doubles.

KC placed Gentry, alongside pitcher Will Klein, on the 40-man roster to avoid leaving them unprotected in the 2023 Rule 5 Draft. This spring, both players were on the big-league spring training roster.

Gentry has appeared in 10 spring training games. On March 5, Gentry hit his first spring home run against the Chicago Cubs. The homer came against veteran pitcher and former Royal Richard Lovelady in the seventh inning.

It was an encouraging sign. Gentry mentioned he worked to increase his power after undergoing a slow start last season.

“As slow of a start, I wasn’t able to hit for as much power,” Gentry said. “My power really comes when I’m hitting to all fields and not as much pull-side as maybe some guys. So when I got my swing how I wanted it to get to, I got that all synced up. I was able to start hitting to all fields and that’s when I usually start hitting for more power too.”

His turnaround moment

Gentry made the swing adjustment midway through the 2023 season.

He worked in the batting cage to correct the issue. Additionally, Gentry found he was too loose in his swing path. It contributed to his hips flying open during the swing.

“At one point, I was striding out too far and losing my backside,” Gentry said. “... Every time I fixed one thing, something else would come up. Thankfully, at the beginning of July, everything synced up like it was supposed to and I was able to go with it the rest of the year.”

Gentry simplified his swing and found his stride. He credited a five-game series against the Gwinnett Stripers as his turnaround moment. Gentry recorded four hits, including a home run and four walks during the July series.

“I started to hit the ball to all fields with some power,” Gentry said.

Gentry continued his surge. He hit .284 with 10 home runs and 27 RBIs in his final 59 games played. Overall, Gentry led the Omaha Storm Chasers in homers, hits and RBIs.

“He is a really good baseball player,” Royals manager Matt Quataro said. “I’m glad to see him healthy. Last spring, he had a little knee thing that nagged him quite a bit. So this year he is full go and moving around well in the outfield.”

The Royals also like his arm strength in the outfield. Gentry continues to develop as a corner outfielder. The Royals also have returning outfielders in MJ Melendez, Drew Waters, Kyle Isbel and Dairon Blanco in the fold.

Earlier this offseason, KC signed newcomers Hunter Renfroe, Garrett Hampson and Adam Frazier in free agency. Renfroe is expected to start. Meanwhile, Hampson and Frazier will get a look in the outfield.

Gentry is close to joining the mix. He will get a chance to play in the Royals’ Spring Breakout game on March 17 against the Milwaukee Brewers. He will also log more innings in Cactus League play.

‘He didn’t panic’

Gentry will begin the 2024 campaign in Triple-A. However, he could make his Major League Baseball debut later this season.

The Royals hope to see his power continue to develop. Gentry, who is the Royals’ No. 10 prospect, will be ready once his number is called.

“He swung the bat extremely well last year in the second half, which is nice to see,” Picollo said. “I think it’s a sign of maturity when a guy has a tough first half. They could panic and he didn’t panic.”

For now, Gentry is focused on being consistent wherever he lands. He is enjoying the moment with the Royals this spring.

“Having my swing where it is right now, I’m hitting the ball to all fields how I want to,” Gentry said. “(I’m) hoping to carry that out from the start of the year and through the end of the year.”