The Royals most-advanced pitching prospect, Danny Duffy told club officials that he is quitting baseball, according to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star. 

"Danny informed us (Tuesday) that his desire is to leave baseball at this time to reassess his life priorities," assistant general manager J.J. Picollo confirmed in a statement released by the club.

Duffy has been arguably the organizations most promising pitcher since being drafted in the third round of the 2007 draft. In 52 minor league appearances, Duffy has gone 19-10 with a 2.50 ERA and 10.6 strikeouts-per-nine innings. 

Duffy was to be sidelined till May with a strained elbow, but he was believed to be heading to Double-A. 

No word yet on whether it was a question of passion or commitment, but it is too bad for the Royals who are in dire need for a prospect to generate some buzz in KC.