What’s next for Jac Caglianone after being assigned to Royals’ minor-league camp
The Kansas City Royals assigned top prospect Jac Caglianone to minor-league camp on Monday.
Caglianone, 22, was a standout in his first big-league spring training. He hit .529 (9-for-17) with three home runs and seven RBIs in Cactus League play.
His highlights including a towering 444-foot home run against the Milwaukee Brewers.
However, the Royals will stick to their plan: Caglianone is set to begin his first full professional season in the minor leagues. It’s likely he starts with Double-A Northwest Arkansas as he adjusts to higher-level pitching.
“I think he did an incredible job, not only on the field but in the clubhouse,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro told reporters in Surprise, Arizona. “The way he responded to the other guys and how they responded to him, you could tell he earned their respect very quickly about the way he goes about it.”
The Royals selected Caglianone with the sixth pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. He appeared in High-A Quad Cities and spent time in the Arizona Fall League lastyear. At each stop, he showcased elite power to all fields.
Caglianone recorded 116 at-bats last season. He will get more opportunities as he matriculates through the Royals’ system.
“It’s been a whirlwind for sure,” Caglianone said. “I was very happy that the Royals gave me the opportunity to go and represent them in the (Arizona) Fall League.”
The Royals will not rush his development as he learns on the professional level. He could see time in the outfield as a means of adding to his defensive versatility.
For now, Caglianone headlines a talented Kansas City minor-league system. He ranks as the No. 22 prospect in MLB.com’s top 100 rankings.
“He is a pro,” Quatraro said. “It happened quickly and watching him play, his at-bats have been phenomenal. ... The power has been obvious and he has made great strides defensively. It was an outstanding camp for him.”
The Royals also on Monday assigned prospects Gavin Cross, John Rave and Cam Devanney to minor-league camp.
The Royals’ spring training roster now sits at 40 players. KC must set its 26-man active roster ahead of opening day against the Cleveland Guardians on March 27 at Kauffman Stadium.
This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 12:36 PM.
