Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 65 | Field: 55 | Overall: 50

Hammond was a pitcher for most of his time at Wesleyan Christian Academy, and he focused his efforts on the mound with Team USA’s 18U team as a junior. But he wanted to play every day and hit his way into first-round consideration as a senior, with the Royals selecting him just five picks after Sean Gamble on Day 1 of the 2025 Draft. The Royals had the Prospect Promotion Incentive pick that they used on Hammond because Bobby Witt Jr. finished in the top three of the 2024 AL MVP race. Hammond didn’t play for an affiliate after the Draft, instead staying in Arizona for unofficial Bridge League games and that fall’s instructional league.

Much like fellow first-round pick Gamble, Hammond is very athletic with a strong foundation to build on in pro ball. He possesses more raw power than Gamble right now -- at least plus with the ability to drive the ball to all fields. Hammond can get caught up with breaking balls, but he’s making better swing decisions as he matures and gets more reps. Defensively, Hammond profiles on the left side of the diamond with third base probably being his best long-term fit, although the Royals won’t rule out shortstop. He has plus arm strength and would be an above-average defender at the hot corner. Hammond is an average runner, with instincts that will help him on the bases more than speed.

Gamble and Hammond will get compared a lot as they mature through the system and will be on a similar development track to start out. But the Royals love what the two bring to the organization both skills and makeup-wise. Hammond’s competitiveness stands out, and he’ll head to Single-A Columbia in 2026 to get his pro career started.

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 65 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50

The son of High Point coach Joey Hammond, Josh is a two-way player reminiscent of fellow North Carolina prep product Nolan McLean, who went on to Oklahoma State as a two-way player before signing with the Mets as a third-rounder in 2023. The consensus was that Hammond was better on the mound and he focused mainly on pitching with the Team U.S.A.'s 18U team last summer, but he wanted to play every day and hit his way into first-round consideration as a senior. He led Wesleyan Christian Academy to its second state independent schools 4-A title in three years, homering in the title game, and went to the Royals with the 28th overall pick in the 2025 Draft (their PPI reward for Bobby Witt Jr. finishing in the top three for AL MVP voting).

Hammond has at least plus raw power that plays to all fields and he hits the ball exceptionally hard from the right side of the plate. His bat speed and strength should translate into 20-25 homers per season, perhaps more if he learns to lift balls in the air more consistently. While his pop stands out more than his pure hitting ability, he's making better swing decisions as he leaves pitching behind to focus full-time on hitting.

Hammond had a thicker lower half when he pitched more often, but he has trimmed up his 6-foot-1 frame a bit and is now an average runner. The former Wake Forest recruit was drafted as a shortstop, but many see him as a future third baseman with enough agility and plenty of arm strength to handle the position.

Video scouting report »

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 65 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50

The son of High Point coach Joey Hammond, Josh is a two-way player reminiscent of fellow North Carolina prep product Nolan McLean, who went on to play both ways at Oklahoma State before signing with the Mets as a third-rounder in 2023. The consensus was that Hammond was better on the mound and he focused mainly on pitching with the U.S. 18-and-under team last summer, but he wants to play every day and has hit his way into first-round consideration as a senior. He led Wesleyan Christian Academy to its second state independent schools 4-A title in three years, homering in the title game in May.

Hammond has at least plus raw power that plays to all fields and hits the ball exceptionally hard from the right side of the plate. His bat speed and strength should translate into 20-25 homers per season, perhaps more if he learns to lift balls in the air more consistently. While his pop stands out more than his pure hitting ability, he's making better swing decisions as he begins to leave pitching behind.

Hammond had a thicker lower half when he pitched more often, but he has trimmed up his 6-foot-1 frame a bit and is now an average runner. The Wake Forest recruit won't play shortstop at the next level, but he has enough agility and plenty of arm strength to handle third base. When at his best on the mound, he showcases a plus fastball and slider along with a solid changeup, topping out at 96 mph.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	03/05/2026	SS Josh Hammond assigned to Kansas City Royals Prospects.
	08/04/2025	ACL Royals activated SS Josh Hammond.
	07/21/2025	Kansas City Royals signed SS Josh Hammond.
	07/21/2025	SS Josh Hammond assigned to ACL Royals.
	05/26/2025	College Workout activated 3B Josh Hammond.
	09/10/2024	RHP Josh Hammond assigned to High School Workout.
	06/30/2024	High School Workout activated RHP Josh Hammond.
	09/13/2023	RHP Josh Hammond assigned to High School Workout.
	09/13/2023	RHP Josh Hammond assigned to High School Workout.
	08/18/2023	RHP Josh Hammond assigned to High School Workout.