How will Jac Caglianone handle high expectations? This MLB star has been in his shoes
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Yankees star Aaron Judge sees parallels between his rise and Jac Caglianone’s path.
- Caglianone makes his Royals home debut with high expectations and fanfare.
- Judge advises Caglianone to embrace growth and rely on veteran teammates for support.
New York Yankees star Aaron Judge stood at his locker prior to Tuesday’s series opener against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.
His eyes told the whole story.
Judge beamed with emotion when he heard Jac Caglianone’s name. And his signature smile confirmed that elation.
Right away, Judge recognized Caglianone’s name and, more importantly, what he represents to the Royals and Major League Baseball.
“I’ve only seen a couple of highlights,” Judge told The Star. “I’m looking forward to seeing this series and seeing him up close and personal. … I think I’ll have a better answer after we play him and see a little bit more of him. I know he hits the ball hard and is a great defender. It’s going to be cool to see for years to come.”
If anyone understands Caglianone’s plight, Judge certainly fits the bill. The Yankees slugger often sits on the other side of the loftiest of Caglianone comparisons.
Both players have raw power. Judge is the reigning American League MVP after he finished just ahead of Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. last season. He also was a former top prospect and dominated the minor league system.
Judge was a first round pick in the 2013 MLB Draft. He starred at Fresno State and spent three seasons in the minor leagues. Judge was 24 years old — two years older than Caglianone — when he made it to the majors.
And he is among the few players that comprehends the hype associated with a generational prospect.
It’s because he has walked the road before.
“The biggest thing is to enjoy the moment and have fun,” Judge said. “What you have been doing got you here. You are going to change and grow throughout the whole process and the rest of your career. But what you did to get to this point is pretty damn good. So keep doing that. There’s going to be some low moments and tough times, but just enjoy it all. Learn from it all.”
Judge hasn’t formally met Caglianone. However, he relishes the chance to interact with him on the field. Caglianone hit seventh in the Royals lineup against Yankees ace Max Fried on Tuesday night.
Tuesday marked Caglianone’s home debut in front of Royals fans with Judge, on DH duty, getting a front-row seat.
“He’s got a lot of hype and expectations on his shoulders and he’s handled it so well,” Judge said. “I think he has two guys in his corner that will be good sounding boards.”
Caglianone has spent time learning from veteran teammates, including Salvador Perez and Bobby Witt Jr. Each day, Witt gives him a new rule or trick of the trade.
Right now, Caglianone is still adjusting to Kansas City and searching for a new home. He still found time to visit a local card store and roam the area Monday. But Tuesday marks his first game action at Kauffman Stadium, a moment Judge remembers from his own journey.
That means a loud ovation from fans at The K.
“I’m more excited for this than the actual debut itself,” Caglianone said. “Just excited to play in front of these fans.”
Caglianone drew a large media contingent Tuesday. He produced his first four-hit game in the Royals’ series finale against the Chicago White Sox.
Fans are still awaiting his first home run. It could come on the six-game homestand as the Royals welcome the Yankees and Athletics to town.
Regardless, Caglianone is taking the next steps on his MLB journey. And Judge, alongside the entire league, is ready to see what he will do next.
“I wish I’d got up to the big leagues as fast as he did,” Judge said. “That would’ve been nice. But nah, I think the work don’t stop. You know, you got up here. Just continue to work and continue to learn from your peers.”
