Kansas City Royals Prospects Join the Bandits for 2025/26 Season

BRISBANE, Australia - The Brisbane Bandits are excited to welcome two rising stars from the Kansas City Royals organisation — right-handed pitcher Brandon Herbold and outfielder Noah Barber — as part of the continuing partnership between the Royals and the Bandits for the 2025/26 Australian Baseball League season.

Now entering its fourth year, the partnership between the Kansas City Royals and the Brisbane Bandits continues to strengthen pathways for player development across both hemispheres. The relationship gives Royals prospects the opportunity to experience competitive baseball year-round while the Bandits gain access to some of the most exciting young talent in the Royals’ farm system.

Bandits Manager Jim Bennett stated, “Our relationship with the Royals continues to be outstanding. They’re a first-class organization led by quality people who understand what it means to compete. They appreciate that we play to win the shield, and we respect their commitment to getting their players meaningful game time. It’s a win-win relationship. We’re proud to keep this partnership strong and excited for what’s ahead in 2025–26.”

Last season, Royals prospects Hyungchan Um and Brennon McNair made an immediate impact in Brisbane — both reaching double-digit home run totals, marking the first time two Bandits players have done so in the same season since 2018. Their success showcased the value of the Royals–Bandits connection, which continues to grow heading into 2025/26.

Brandon Herbold – LHP

Born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, the 6’6” (198 cm) left-hander was signed by the Kansas City Royals as a free agent in 2023. Herbold played a major role in the Netherlands’ best-ever finish at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup, where his team placed fifth overall.

Baseball runs deep in the Herbold family — his father currently serves as President of the Royal Dutch Baseball Softball Federation (KNBSB) — and Brandon has been part of the Neptunes Rotterdam program since he was just 10 years old. He made his debut in the Dutch major leagues (Hoofdklasse) in 2021 and appeared in six games the following season.

Royals scout Nick Leto praised Herbold’s potential, saying: “We were very impressed with his approach and athletic skills; he has everything to become an MLB player.”

Since joining the Royals’ Arizona Complex League team, Herbold has posted a 3–3 record with 79 strikeouts and a 3.3 ERA through 75.1 innings across 35 appearances (18 starts). His 2025 season was particularly strong — finishing with a 2.63 ERA and averaging 13.8 strikeouts per nine innings.

Noah Barber – OF

A product of Overland Park, Kansas, Noah Barber is a dynamic 6’4” (193 cm) outfielder who signed with the Royals as an undrafted free agent. Athleticism runs in the family — his father, Shawn Barber, played linebacker in the NFL — and that athletic DNA shows in Noah’s game.

Across two seasons in the Royals’ Rookie League, Barber has played 75 games, collecting 36 hits (including 15 extra-base hits), 28 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases. His versatility makes him a valuable asset in the outfield, where he’s started games in left field (43), center field (15), and right field (3).

Barber brings speed, power potential, and defensive range to the Bandits’ lineup, and his energy on the field is expected to make him a fan favourite at Viticon Stadium this summer.

With the continued support of the Kansas City Royals, the Brisbane Bandits are set to benefit once again from international talent eager to make an impression. Herbold and Barber represent the next wave of Royals prospects ready to make their mark — and there’s no better place to do it than under the lights in Brisbane.