One stat shows why Royals fans should be encouraged by Jac Caglianone’s start
Beware the Ides of March — and MLB statistics in April.
Whether a player gets off to a hot or cold start two weeks into a Major League Baseball season, it’s far too early to tell if that’s what we can expect for the entire year.
Given that rather large caveat, there nevertheless seems to be good news regarding Royals right fielder Jac Caglianone.
After a rapid rise through Kansas City’s minor-league system, Caglianone struggled after making his MLB debut with the Royals last year. In 62 games, Caglianone batted .157 with seven home runs and 18 RBIs.
Through the Royals’ first 10 games this year, Caglianone is hitting .281 with two doubles, but no homers or RBIs. His OPS+ in 2025 was 48, but this year, it’s 105.
While Caglianone’s strikeout-to-walks ratio is roughly the same (3 to 1) as a year ago, he’s made a significant improvement in one area that is reason for optimism.
The analytics account Sox Savant on Monday shared a look at the 10 players who have cut down the most on their chase rate this season. Caglianone was second on the list, behind the Astros’ Jose Altuve.
The home runs will come for Caglianone because his Launch Angle Sweet Spot percentage has increased from 29.7% to 34.8%, per Statcast.
Swinging at fewer pitches outside the strike zone is certainly an encouraging sign for Caglianone — and Royals fans.
This story was originally published April 7, 2026 at 10:57 AM.
