2025 MLB Draft: Justin Lamkin contract details revealed for Kansas City Royals supplementary second-round pick

The Kansas City Royals selected Texas A&M left-handed pitcher Justin Lamkin with the No. 71 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. On Monday, MLB.com’s Jim Callis revealed Lamkin’s rookie contract details.

“Supplemental 2nd-rder Justin Lamkin signs w/ @Royals for $1,161,200 (slot 73 value minus $2,500 contingency bonus),” Callis wrote on X. “@AggieBaseball LHP, three-pitch mix w/ funky arm action & extension, best offering is low-80s slider, also has low-90s fastball & low-80s changeup.”

Lamkin spent three seasons at Texas A&M. He started in all 15 of his appearances this past season, totaling 84.1 innings pitched. Lamkin logged a career-best 3.42 ERA, with 98 strikeouts compared to just 19 walks.

Lamkin held opponents to a .235 batting average and only threw one wild pitch in the entire season. On May 16, Lamkin pitched a complete game against Georgia, posting 15 strikeouts and a shutout. For his efforts, he was named the SEC Pitcher of the Week.

In three years at Texas A&M, Lamkin amassed 209.1 innings on the mound and 260 strikeouts. He finished his collegiate career with a 4.69 ERA and a .235 opponent batting average.

Lamkin played high school baseball at Corpus Christi Allen High School (TX). He was the No. 5 left-handed pitcher and No. 34 overall prospect from Texas in the 2022 recruiting cycle, according to Perfect Game.

Experts don’t expect Lamkin’s success to stop at the next level. Ahead of the draft, MLB.com provided an in-depth analysis of Lamkin’s game.

“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,” the scouting report reads. “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.”

The Kansas City Royals are currently 48-52 this season and battling for a spot in the MLB Playoffs. Last season, the Royals advanced to American League Division Series in the playoffs before being eliminated by the New York Yankees.