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Kansas City Royals select Texas A&M LHP Justin Lamkin in 2025 MLB Draft

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh07/14/25griffin_mcveigh
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Jun 19, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Texas A&M Aggies starting pitcher Justin Lamkin (33) throws against the Florida Gators during the third inning at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Lamkin was one of the highest-rated pitchers coming out of college, sticking to his Texas A&M commitment. The move has paid off nearly three years later, hearing his name called in the 2025 MLB Draft. Lamkin will begin his career inside the Kansas City Royals organization after being the No. 71 overall pick.

From an appearance standpoint, this was the fewest amount of times Lamkin was on the mound for Texas A&M. He started in 15 games. But the stats are a whole lot better compared to his freshman and sophomore seasons, putting up career highs across the board.

Lamkin finished with an ERA of 3.42 over 84.1 innings pitched. The most impressive stat of them all may have been his strikeout-to-walk ratio, punching out over five times as many batters compared to offering a free base. An excellent 98 strikeouts to just 19 walks.

Some Texas A&M history was made along the way, too. Before Lamkin arrived, only 16 pitchers in the program’s history had surpassed 200 strikeouts throughout their careers. Lamkin joined them in a March series against Alabama, becoming the 17th member of the club.

A great player in Aggies history, Lamkin now hopes to make his mark at the professional level. The journey just got started in Atlanta, having a draft moment everyone in baseball dreams about.

What MLB Draft analysts are saying about Texas A&M’s Justin Lamkin

Prior to the MLB Draft, a scouting report on Lamkin was produced by MLB.com. They broke down his three pitches, the best of which appears to be the slider. Some potential is in there for the fastball as well, despite not having elite-level velocity like we do in so many guys nowadays.

“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 said. “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.”

Looking long-term, MLB.com describes Lamkin as a “safe bet” to become somebody who is at the back-end of a rotation. Floor is more of the angle here compared to ceiling. Not enough upside to get taken incredibly high but good enough talent to still be desirable by plenty out there.