How does Jac Caglianone fit with Royals? A closer look at his potential MLB role
It was only a matter of time before Jac Caglianone arrived in Kansas City.
Fans called for it. Major League Baseball posted every highlight to its social media platforms in anticipation. And the Royals’ lackluster offense called for a change.
Caglianone is that change. The Royals needed a spark after scoring one run in their last 18 innings. At 31-29, the Royals have clung to a winning record behind a pitching staff that’s carried the load for far too long.
For weeks, the Royals resisted the urge to promote Caglianone. He needed to cut down his chase rate and walk more. There was also the transition to the outfield and a learning curve that followed.
Caglianone had the best help possible. Longtime Royals coach Rusty Kuntz spent ample time working with him in the outfield. The Royals also deployed Caglianone in the outfield at least three games a week.
However, this move is for the Royals’ present as much as their future. The Royals don’t have enough thump in their starting lineup. Vinnie Pasquantino leads the team with eight home runs and 31 RBIs.
Caglianone eclipsed those numbers in 38 Double-A games. He hit .322 with nine home runs and 43 RBIs with Northwest Arkansas.
Last month, Caglianone was promoted to Triple-A Omaha. In his first week, he blasted five home runs and recorded 10 RBIs.
Royals manager Matt Quatraro is known for telling prospects to “knock the door down” and force the club’s hand.
Caglianone did that in 50 minor-league games. In 11 months, he went from the sixth overall selection in the 2024 MLB Draft to the Royals active roster.
The Royals had to make a decision. Caglianone will join the Royals prior to Tuesday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium.
So why now? Here is what’s next for the Royals and Jac Caglianone.
Inside Royals offensive woes
It’s unfair to consider Caglianone the Royals’ savior. His raw talent will immediately help but he still needs to adjust to MLB pitching.
Caglianone got a small sample size of MLB pitching this spring. He blasted a solo home run against veteran MLB pitcher Aaron Civale. In Double A, he faced a rehabbing Clayton Kershaw and smashed a double.
Expect Caglianone to be challenged early. He will need to demonstrate he can hit off-speed pitches and do damage against left-handed pitchers.
The Royals are willing to take the gamble. His raw power is too tantalizing to pass up the chance to infuse the lineup.
For two years, the Royals have relied on Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez and Pasquantino to carry the offense. It worked well as the Royals made a postseason run in 2024. However, things are different now.
Both Perez and Pasquantino have struggled with runners in scoring position. Witt is essentially getting pitched around in the batting order. Maikel Garcia and Drew Waters have emerged as bright spots, but there are too many holes in the attack.
Caglianone can help in several ways. Still he isn’t the complete answer. The Royals have to hit better moving forward.
Where will he play?
The Royals will likely deploy Caglianone in right field. The club is set around the infield and likes to spread around the designated hitter role.
Caglianone will need time to learn Kauffman Stadium. The outfield corners can be tricky to navigate as the baseball comes off at unique angles. It’s not an immediate concern as the Royals will be on the road this week.
The Royals still need to make a corresponding move. Currently, the Royals have Kyle Isbel, John Rave, Drew Waters, Dairon Blanco, Mark Canha, Nick Loftin, Michael Massey and Jonathan India capable of playing the outfield.
India will stick at second base. Massey is an infielder that can play left field and Isbel will continue patrolling center. The remainder of the group has different qualities that could make the decision to onboard Caglianone difficult.
Loftin is a utility player. Canha is a respected veteran and Blanco is a clutch pinch runner. One player will be the odd man out.
The Royals haven’t officially announced the move or what way they will lean. But it will be interesting to see.
Where will he hit?
The Royals have a few different ways to approach this. Caglianone could hit as high as sixth in the starting lineup. Generally, Quatraro likes to use India, Witt, Pasquantino, Perez and Garcia as his top five hitters.
From there, there are a few options. Guys like Canha, Loftin and Waters have hit there. The bottom of the order has been reserved for Massey (8th) and Isbel (9th) in recent weeks.
So look for Caglianone to either be sixth or seventh starting out. There is a chance he must earn his way up the order as well. But his early promotion suggests the Royals need his run production more right now.
What’s ahead?
The Royals are off on Monday before heading to St. Louis.
Caglianone is likely to speak to reporters on Tuesday at Busch Stadium. If spring training is any indication, he will wear No. 14 and be prepared to begin his MLB career.
