On Sunday night, the Kansas City Royals announced they were calling up their highest ranked prospect, former Florida Gators two-way star Jac Caglianone. This news comes hours after his former team lost to East Carolina to end their season.
Caglianone’s promotion should not be a shock to anyone following the 22-year-old’s career, as he lit up the minor leagues and spring training. In 50 minor league games in 2025, Caglianone posted a .322/.389/.593 slash line, including 15 home runs and 56 RBI’s.
Speaking to the media last week, Royals GM J.J. Picollo sung the praises of Caglianone, saying, “To hit five [home runs] in a week is a pretty good accomplishment. The best way to break any player into the major leagues is try to bring them up when the team is hot.”
Despite not pitching in the minors, Caglianone still possesses the versatility to contribute if called on. In his career with the Gators, he had a 12-6 record and won the John Olerud Award in 2024 for the best two-way player in college baseball.
Caglianone also picked up a skill this season, as he can now play in the outfield. He played a total of 14 games in the brand new position, posting a perfect fielding percentage in those appearances. The Tampa-native will presumptively replace Hunter Renfroe in right field, as they released the former first-rounder on Wednesday.
The former No. 6 overall pick will look to contribute to a Royals team that has struggled in 2025 after a surprise season in 2024. Despite slumping as a team, Kansas City is only one game out of a wild card spot in the American League. Already having MVP runner-up Bobby Witt Jr. and one of the best rotations in baseball, they will look to have a better second half. Jac Caglianone could be just the piece to help them rebound and contend in a wide-open American League.