Kansas City Royals: The Rise Of Noah Cameron

As a sophomore at Central Arkansas in 2020, few would have predicted that Noah Cameron would become one of the most intriguing arms in the Kansas City Royals’ system. A year after undergoing Tommy John surgery, he was selected in the 7th round of the 2021 MLB Draft, with a modest signing bonus of $197,500. In hindsight, that deal is looking like an absolute bargain for the Royals.

Cameron ascended through Kansas City’s minor league system rapidly. In 2022, he tore through three levels and finished the season at High-A with the Quad Cities River Bandits. He has since continued his steady climb, arriving at Triple-A Omaha in 2024 and establishing himself as a legitimate big league option.

What separates Cameron from many other young pitchers is his ability to create soft contact and miss bats without overpowering velocity. While his average four-seam fastball velocity hovers around 91.6 mph, it’s the movement and precision that make him effective. Cameron’s five-pitch mix (fastball, changeup, cutter, slider, and curveball) is utilized with a balance that keeps hitters on their heels.

Despite the modest arm strength, Cameron’s pitch profile has produced outstanding results. Through his first four starts this season, he has held hitters to a microscopic .144 opponent batting average and generated a mere 4.1 percent barrel rate. His hard-hit rate allowed sits at just 37.8 percent, and he’s limited home runs to two percent of plate appearances, with an average exit velocity of 87.3 mph — elite territory.

Noah Cameron Is On the Rise For the Royals

Statistical Context: A Quietly Dominant Start

To grasp how impressive that performance is, let’s stack Cameron’s early numbers against a household name: Paul Skenes. The Pirates’ flamethrower has made headlines with his elite velocity and raw power, and he was drafted early in nearly every fantasy league. So far this year, Skenes has allowed a .187 opponent average, a 39% hard-hit rate, and a 1.4% HR rate.

While Skenes dominates with power, Cameron is achieving comparable, and in some cases better, results using finesse and feel. That’s a testament to pitchability, and a reminder that there’s more than one way to win in today’s game.

There’s More Than One Way to Skin a Cat

In an era where velocity gets the headlines and high strikeout rates dominate the scouting reports, it’s refreshing to see a pitcher like Cameron make noise with control, movement, and mental sharpness. Baseball fans who grew up watching the likes of Greg Maddux will appreciate the artistry. Maddux didn’t light up the radar gun, but with pinpoint accuracy and surgical command, he carved out a Hall of Fame career (eight All-Star selections, four Cy Young Awards, and a reputation as one of the smartest pitchers to ever toe the rubber).

To be clear, no one is comparing Noah Cameron to Maddux, not yet, anyway, but the stylistic resemblance is notable. Cameron wins with precision, efficiency, and a clear understanding of how to disrupt timing and keep hitters off balance. And that skill set is not easy to teach.

Royals Pitching Development: A Quiet Success Story

One reason to buy into Cameron’s future is the Royals’ recent track record with pitcher development. This year, Kansas City’s staff boasts a 3.15 team ERA, good for second in all of baseball. They’ve developed or revitalized several arms: Kris Bubic has become a household name, Seth Lugo has emerged as a Cy Young contender, and Michael Wacha has resurrected his career.

Let’s not forget last season either, Lugo and Cole Ragans finished second and fourth respectively in AL Cy Young voting. The Royals are building a culture that fosters growth, and Cameron is walking right into it.

At just 25 years old, Cameron still has more room to rise, but he already possesses a polish and poise on the mound that’s rare in young pitchers. As the Royals continue to surprise in the AL Central and build a sustainable core, don’t be shocked if Cameron becomes a key part of the rotation, and a fantasy darling, before long.