In a moment that marked the culmination of years of dedication and hard work, Justin Lamkin, a standout left-handed pitcher from Texas A&M, was selected 71st overall by the Kansas City Royals in the Competitive Balance Round B of the 2025 MLB Draft. This significant milestone not only underscores Lamkin’s exceptional talent but also highlights the Royals’ strategic investment in bolstering their pitching roster.
Standing tall at 6-foot-4, Lamkin’s journey from Corpus Christi’s Calallen High School to the professional stage is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence. During his junior year at Texas A&M, he led the Aggies with a 3.42 ERA over 15 starts, amassing 98 strikeouts in 84.1 innings—a performance that showcased his dominance on the mound. His crowning achievement came in a complete-game shutout against No. 10 Georgia, where he struck out a career-high 15 batters without issuing a single walk, earning him multiple Pitcher of the Week honors .
Lamkin’s collegiate career was marked by consistent growth and resilience. After initial seasons with higher ERAs, he refined his mechanics and pitch selection, culminating in a junior year that solidified his reputation as a formidable pitcher. His ability to command the strike zone and maintain composure under pressure made him a linchpin in Texas A&M’s rotation and a key contributor to their College World Series run in 2024 .
The Royals’ decision to draft Lamkin reflects their confidence in his potential to make a significant impact at the professional level. His left-handed delivery, combined with a fastball that reaches up to 95 mph and a sharp slider, provides a solid foundation for development within the Royals’ farm system . Moreover, his track record of adaptability and perseverance suggests a promising trajectory as he transitions to the demands of Major League Baseball.
For Lamkin, this draft selection is more than a professional advancement; it’s the realization of a lifelong dream fueled by passion and perseverance. As he dons the Royals’ colors, he carries with him the hopes of his hometown, the pride of Texas A&M, and the promise of a bright future in the big leagues.
