Kyle Collier
Ben Kudrna, a right-handed pitcher from Blue Valley Southwest HS, and Carter Jensen, a catcher from Park Hill HS, entered the day as future members of the Louisiana State University (LSU) baseball team. That may not be for long though, as Kudrna was picked by the hometown Royals with the 43rd pick in the 2021 Major League Baseball draft, and the Royals scooped up Jensen with the 78th pick.
Kudrna, a 6’3” pitcher, earned the honor of the state of Kansas’ top baseball player, as he was named the Gatorade Kansas Baseball Player of the Year for 2021. He was ranked as the #48 prospect by Baseball America, while Jensen was ranked as the #83 prospect by the publication. Shortly after he was drafted, Carter Jensen informed Sports Radio 810 that he and the Royals have a deal in place, therefore he will forego his commitment to LSU and officially become a member of the Royals’ organization.
With their first pick at #7 in the draft, the Royals selected an under-slot player so that they could spread their money around for picks made later in the draft. With today’s selections in the draft, it is clear that Kudrna and Jensen were both highly valued by the Royals, and that prying them away from LSU would not be an easy task.