Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 45 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 55 | Overall: 45

Lamkin was on Draft prospect lists as a prep pitcher in 2022, but he was considered unsignable away from his Texas A&M commitment. He went to college and was an immediate contributor, pitching in big SEC and NCAA moments. Lamkin was one of the best college lefty options in the 2025 Draft, and the Royals selected him with their Competitive Balance Round B pick at No. 71 overall. He stayed in Arizona after he was drafted and pitched in the Royals’ fall instructional league.

With some funkiness in his delivery, Lamkin’s 91-93 mph fastball plays up quite a bit, but he also showed up to spring in ‘26 with a little more velo. He’s big and strong and put on some good weight over the offseason, which helps, so whether that sticks throughout the season remains to be seen. His above-average, 83-85 mph gyro slider might look a little cutter-ish, but it’s short and tight. Lamkin sells his 84-86 mph changeup well and is continuing to work on that pitch, and he added an upper-70s curveball when he joined the Royals to give him something with more depth against right-handed hitters. Lamkin’s delivery has some moving parts to it, but it helps his game; he hides the ball well, has a short arm action and it gets on hitters quickly. He’s a solid strike thrower, so the delivery doesn’t seem to hinder him much right now.

Lamkin has a good foundation and is advanced as a college pitcher who knows what he’s doing on the mound. He receives high marks for the way he evaluates himself and his outings. As long as those secondaries keep developing, he has back-end rotation potential.

Scouting grades: Fastball: 50 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 55 | Overall: 40

Lamkin was Texas' best high school southpaw in 2022, when he threw a seven-inning, 21-strikeout no-hitter and drew some Kris Bubic comparisons. But he was unsignable away from his Texas A&M commitment. He became an immediate contributor for the Aggies and dominated in his first two outings at the 2024 College World Series before running out of gas in a championship-game loss to Tennessee. Slightly improved stuff and better control made him one of the best college pitchability lefty options in this year's Draft, when he went to the Royals with the 71st overall pick.

Lamkin works with a 91-93 mph fastball that tops out at 95, deceiving hitters thanks to his funky arm action and the extension that he creates. His best offering is a solid low-80s slider with more depth than horizontal action. His low-80s changeup doesn't have much life and isn't particularly effective against right-handers, whom he keeps in check by running heaters in on their hands.

While Lamkin doesn’t have the smoothest mechanics, they help him hide the ball well. His strike-throwing improved throughout his time in College Station, though his control stands out more than his command. His floor also is more notable than his ceiling, as he's a safe bet to become a back-of-the-rotation starter.

Video scouting report »

Scouting grades: Fastball: 50 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 55 | Overall: 45

Lamkin was Texas' best high school southpaw in 2022, when he threw a seven-inning, 21-strikeout no-hitter and drew some Kris Bubic comparisons, but he was unsignable away from his Texas A&M commitment. He became an immediate contributor for the Aggies and dominated in his first two outing at the 2024 College World Series before running out of gas in a championship-game loss to Tennessee. Slightly improved stuff and better control have made him one of the best college pitchability lefty options in this year's Draft.

Lamkin works with a 91-93 mph fastball that tops out at 95, deceiving hitters thanks to his funky arm action and the extension that he creates. His best offering is a solid low-80s slider with more depth than horizontal action. His low-80s changeup doesn't have much life and isn't particularly effective against right-handers, whom he keeps in check by running his heater in on their hands.

While Lamkin doesn’t have the smoothest mechanics, they help him hide the ball well. His strike throwing has improved throughout his time in College Station, though his control stands out more than his command. His floor also is more notable than his ceiling, as he's a safe bet to become a back-of-the-rotation starter.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	03/05/2026	LHP Justin Lamkin assigned to Kansas City Royals Prospects.
	03/05/2026	LHP Justin Lamkin assigned to Kansas City Royals Prospects.
	08/04/2025	ACL Royals activated LHP Justin Lamkin.
	07/21/2025	LHP Justin Lamkin assigned to ACL Royals.
	07/21/2025	Kansas City Royals signed LHP Justin Lamkin.
	06/03/2025	LHP Justin Lamkin assigned to College Workout.
	02/21/2025	LHP Justin Lamkin assigned to Texas A&M Aggies.
	02/20/2024	LHP Justin Lamkin assigned to Texas A&M Aggies.
	02/24/2023	LHP Justin Lamkin assigned to Texas A&M Aggies.
	06/11/2022	LHP Justin Lamkin and assigned to College Workout.
	09/23/2021	LHP Justin Lamkin and assigned to National.