Jac Caglianone made terrific leaping catch vs. Padres. Here is a look at the play
If there were any lingering questions regarding Jac Caglianone’s ability to play in the outfield, the Kansas City Royals phenom answered them on Sunday afternoon.
Caglianone, 22, made a terrific leaping catch against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. He ranged toward the right-field wall and timed his jump perfectly to rob Padres star Jackson Merrill of a potential go-ahead home run.
“I thought he was tracking it well, but I had no idea if he was going to be able to get it,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro told local media in San Diego. “I mean, it was a tremendous play.”
It was the latest memorable highlight for Caglianone. He steadied himself on the warning track before leaping above the wall. The ball landed in his glove and he proceeded to received applause from his teammates.
“Everybody was high-fiving him,” Quatraro said.
Caglianone has turned in a special week. On Thursday, he hit the first two home runs of his Major League Baseball career. He was met with the silent treatment in jest before being celebrated heartily in the Royals’ dugout at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
The Royals continue to teach Caglianone the finer points of playing in the outfield in the majors. He has worked with longtime KC organization coach Rusty Kuntz to develop his fielding skills.
His leaping catch Sunday showcased his ability to read, react and make a critical play.
