Why Royals say Friday’s news has nothing to do with top prospect Jac Caglianone
The Kansas City Royals shook up their roster Friday as Hunter Renfroe was designated for assignment.
The move comes after Renfroe hit .182 with no home runs and four RBIs in 35 games. In a corresponding move, the Royals recalled Nick Loftin from Triple-A Omaha.
“I’m excited to get back here and just continue to do what I always wanted to do and that’s win ball games,” Loftin said.
So how will the Royals configure right field? The short answer is a mix of Drew Waters, Cavan Biggio and Mark Canha. Loftin will continue to bounce all over the field.
Also of note: The Royals don’t plan to promote top prospect Jac Caglianone at the current moment.
Caglianone just reached Triple-A Omaha. While immensely talented, Caglianone faces a learning curve at the upper levels of the minors. Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said the decision to DFA Renfroe was independent of any decisions regarding Caglianone.
“The Jac Caglianone situation and this is totally different,” Picollo said. “Jac will come to the major leagues whenever he is ready to contribute to the major leagues.”
The Royals’ stance hasn’t changed.
Caglianone will debut when the organization feels comfortable. KC has operated on a key principle that guys who “knock the door down” will get an opportunity at the big-league level.
Loftin did that this season. He batted .295 with four home runs, 24 RBIs and 39 walks with the Omaha Storm Chasers. He added 12 stolen bases, a focal point this offseason.
“Nick earned his way up here,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “That’s what we want all these guys to do. You get sent down, you got a couple choices, right? You can mope about it or you can go down there and beat the level and knock the door down. That’s exactly what he did and it’s a real credit to him.”
The Royals wanted more consistency off the bench. Loftin will get his chance against right-handed pitchers. His patient approach helped the club make the decision.
KC also promoted Waters for a similar reason. Much like Loftin, he proved ready for MLB pitching by reaching a high level of play.
“We thought we had seen what we wanted to see of him in Triple-A,” Quatraro said. “The way he conducted himself, the way he played on defense and the way he swung the bat, so all those things were checked.”
The Royals understand that Caglianone is their future. Friday’s roster decision doesn’t change his timetable to reach the majors. Caglianone will continue to play three days a week in the outfield with the Storm Chasers.
“We just aren’t there,” Picollo said of Caglianone. “In fairness to him, things are happening fast. So no tie between the two groups.”
The more Caglianone hits — like his mammoth home run on Thursday — the more likely he will earn his chance.
For now, Loftin has his opportunity. He will get a chance to showcase he belongs as the Royals compete for the American League Central division.
“I’m prepared as I can be,” Loftin said. “You know, that’s what I said before and that’s my role on this team. My role in this organization is to be a utility guy that plays all over the place.”
