Tyson Shushkewich on Tyson Moran: Getting the Royal treatment
Great Lake Canadians 3B Tyson Moran (Wingham, Ont.), a 13th round pick of the Kansas City Royals had his first hit against the Chicago White Sox in Arizona.
August 25, 2025
Tyson Shushkewich
Canadian Baseball Network
The Kansas City Royals have continued to tap into the Canadian pipeline in recent years and Tyson Moran is the latest player to join the American League Central club.
A product of the Great Lake Canadians program, Moran (Wingham, Ont.) knew there was a chance he would hear his name called in this summer’s draft.
“Myself and the Royals chatted a few times over the past few months,” Moran told the Canadian Baseball Network. “I thought they might draft me, given those conversations, but you never know how things will shake out on draft day.”
The Royals selected Moran in the 13th round. Former major leaguer Adam Stern (London, Ont.) was credited as the signing scout. Moran had attended a private workout at Kauffman Stadium before the draft and signed shortly after being selected, securing a $247,500 bonus.
“It was a really special moment for me and my family,” said Moran. “It felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders, and I could look ahead to my future in pro ball. I had my post-secondary commitments in my back pocket if needed, but the dream was always to pursue pro baseball.”
Moran committed to North Dakota State University on July 30, 2024, with the Bison expecting an athletic infielder who could consistently barrel the ball.
“I was definitely a later riser in terms of scout recognition,” Moran admitted. “Things really started to take off at the Canadian Futures Showcase and then this past spring in Arizona. That’s when I started to get noticed on the field.”
It’s been a whirlwind 12 months for the 19-year-old. Last September, Moran earned MVP honours at the Canadian Futures Showcase, going 6-for-10 with a double, a triple, and three RBIs.
He joined the Canadian Premier squad on their spring trip to Arizona, facing multiple pro organizations at their spring training complexes, along with the Langley Blaze. Moran especially impressed against the Cleveland Guardians, belting two home runs in a losing effort.
“That was a really fun trip, being able to play against pros and put some good swings together in Arizona,” recalled Moran. “That’s when I really started getting noticed, being able to put the ball over the fence and show what I can do against talented arms.
“The Futures Showcase and earning MVP honours carried a lot of weight, too. Playing at Rogers Centre with scouts and coaches watching is always nerve-racking, but once I’m in the batter’s box, that all goes away. I look for pitches to drive, make selective swings, and find ways to put the ball in play to help my team win.”
Great Lake Canadians manager Jamie Romak (London, Ont.), a former Tio O’Neill award winner, with Korea’s SJ Wyverns in 2020.
Returning home to play for the Great Lake Canadians, Moran played under Jamie Romak (London, Ont.) and put together an impressive season. In 119 plate appearances, he hit .387 with a 1.069 OPS, posting a .420 OBP and .649 SLG while striking out just nine times. He added eight doubles, five home runs, and helped the Canadians to a 30–19 record.
After signing, Moran quickly headed to Arizona to join the Royals at their spring training complex for a draft camp.
“That was a whirlwind couple of days,” he said with a laugh. “I was in Arizona getting checked out by the Royals staff two days after the draft and signed my contract shortly after. We jumped right into drills and met all the staff: strength coaches, nutritionists, fielding and hitting coaches.
“It was a lot of meetings and getting to know the other players who were drafted or signed.
“Then came the Arizona Bridge League play, where we faced recent drafts or guys looking for extra reps. The stats didn’t matter. I couldn’t play right away because of my visa, but once I got cleared, I was able to get into some games and collect my first hit (a single) against the Chicago White Sox.”
(The Bridge League bridges the gap between extended spring training where recently drafted players play at the complex before reporting to their minor league affiliates.)
The Great Lakes grad is confident he chose the right path by turning pro. The expectation is for Moran to see Rookie Ball action next summer, with a promotion to Low-A Columbia as the next step.
For now, he’ll remain in Arizona to continue getting reps until the offseason.
“There’s still some instructional league play ahead, so that’s where I’ll be for the time being,” Moran said. “The offseason plan is still up in the air — some guys stay here to train, others go back home. For me, it’s about taking it one day at a time, soaking in the moment, and doing everything I can to get better every day.”