Who is Jac Caglianone? These 5 highlights best showcase Royals’ talented phenom
Is Jac Caglianone ready for the big leagues? That’s the question he needs to answer — and the question the Kansas City Royals will ultimately face.
Caglianone will get a chance to prove himself. On Sunday, reports swirled that Caglianone was promoted from Triple-A Omaha.
The Royals had not officially announced the decision as of Sunday night.
Caglianone is expected to join the Royals in St. Louis on Tuesday. It’s the latest venture by the Royals to improve a struggling offense.
So what does Caglianone bring to the table? Here is a look at his top five highlights since joining the Royals as the sixth overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.
KC welcome: Caglianone blasts spring training rocket
Royals fans who attended spring training got a close look at Jac Caglianone. The 6-foot-5, 250 pound athlete put on a show during batting practice. He hit several homers toward the Arizona skyline at the club’s facility.
He also made quite the impression in Cactus League play. One highlight that stood out was against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Caglianone battled MLB veteran pitcher Aaron Civale during an eight-pitch at-bat. He worked a full count before hitting a 444-foot homer at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Arizona.
The homer registered a 114.6 exit velocity and was his third home run of the spring. And it caught the attention of the entire Cactus League.
“That sounded good,” Royals broadcaster Ryan Lefebvre summed it up nicely.
Double-A? No problem
The Royals sent Caglianone to Double-A Northwest Arkansas out of spring training. It was the next level for him after he got some experience in High-A and the Arizona Fall League.
Caglianone didn’t waste time leaving a strong impression. He destroyed a baseball 464 feet against the Tulsa Drillers at ONEOK Field in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The ball took a grand tour of the historic Greenwood District and landed on Elgin Avenue behind the stadium.
It was another indication that Caglianone’s raw power was real. And it fueled more speculation that a potential call-up was imminent this season.
“I didn’t see it, but I heard about it,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said at the time.
Jac Caglianone: The Outfielder
The Royals’ top prospect is no stranger to outfield work. At H.B. Plant High School, Caglianone split time at first base and as an outfielder.
Oh, he also pitched as well.
Caglianone knows how to handle himself in the grass. He worked with his father every day taking flyballs and grounders. The Royals put Caglianone in right field on April 25 with Double-A Northwest Arkansas.
He made a few nice plays. The Royals are more concerned about his first step and his recognition off the bat. He offers a nice straight line speed and can round off his routes after tracking the ball through the air.
Caglianone also has a strong arm. He could get a chance to showcase his athleticism at the highest level with the Royals.
“I don’t think people in Kansas City know how good of an athlete that Jac is,” Dennis Braun, his old high school coach said. “They are about to find out when they put him in the outfield.”
Clayton Kershaw … Meet Jac Caglianone
It’s quite the accomplishment to get two hits off a future Hall of Famer. Well, Caglianone proved he has the talent to carve his own legacy.
In Double-A, Caglianone faced a rehabbing Clayton Kershaw. He recorded two hits, including a ringing double, in the matchup. It was a unique test facing a tough lefty that has dominated for many years.
Caglianone earned a nice feather in his cap. Years from now, he can tell his grandchildren he played with one of the best to ever do it.
Hello Triple-A! I’m Jac Caglianone
Caglianone proved Double-A pitching wasn’t a challenge. So, the Royals promoted him to Triple-A Omaha in May.
It didn’t take long for him to master that level. He hit five home runs and recorded 10 RBIs in his first six games with the Omaha Storm Chasers. Caglianone was red-hot as he blasted a home run in four consecutive contests.
And they were missiles.
Caglianone hit a 459-foot home run against the Salt Lake Bees. It left The Ballpark at America First Square in South Jordan, Utah, in a hurry.
Once again, he showed his rare power. This time, it came with more meaning as he showed he could figure out Triple-A pitching.
