Jac Caglianone Could Play Outfield To Accelerate His MLB Debut
Jac Caglianone will get repetitions in the outfield this year and could find himself playing corner-outfield spot to accelerate the timeline for his major-league debut to potentially this summer. As things currently stand, the Royals have a logjam at first base with Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez sharing the position. Last year's sixth overall pick out of the University of Florida only had 126 professional plate appearances last year with High-A Quad Cities, so he definitely could use more minor-league seasoning, but the 22-year-old left-handed slugger is an imposing presence (6-foot-5, 250 pounds) and hit a 115.4 mph home run in his first spring training game. Caglianone struck out only 20% of the time at High-A last year but also had only two bombs. He'll surely be on the fast track for the Royals, but those in single-year fantasy leagues can hold off for now.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
ESPN's Jeff Passan writes that Kansas City Royals first base prospect Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Jac Caglianone Goes Deep In Second Straight Contest
Jac Caglianone went 2-for-4 with a home run during their contest against Double-A Springfield. This was Caglianone's second-straight game going deep. Over his last nine contests, Caglianone has only gone hitless in one game. During this impressive stretch, the top prospect in Kansas City has held a .375/.459/.625 slash line with two doubles, two home runs, and eight RBI. Through his first 27 games at the Double-A level, last year's sixth overall pick has held his own, holding a .314/.395/.543 slash line with six doubles and six round-trippers. After being selected in the draft last season, Caglianone spent time at High-A. Seeing him steadily progress, he should be in the mix to reach the major leagues later this season.
Source: MiLB.com
Kansas City Royals first base prospect Source: MiLB.com
Jac Caglianone Roams Right Field At Double-A On Thursday
Jac Caglianone went 0-for-4 on Thursday for Double-A Northwest Arkansas, so it obviously wasn't his bat that was noteworthy - it was where he was playing in the field. The 22-year-old was patrolling right field for the Naturals, which is the first time he's played the outfield as a professional and even including his college career. Thursday's hitless game ended a four-game multi-hit stretch in which the Royals' top prospect (MLB No. 20) had gone 10-for-16 (.625), and it appears the team is trying to make him more versatile defensively so as to open up more pathways to the majors. The 2024 sixth-overall draft pick has an ETA of 2026 per MLB.com, however, RotoBaller's latest prospect stash report estimates a midseason call-up, so it is a situation to monitor closely as he could bring a heavy dose of power production with him for fantasy.
Source: MLB Pipeline
Kansas City Royals first base prospect Source: MLB Pipeline
Jac Caglianone Stays Hot On Wednesday
Jac Caglianone continued his hot hitting on Wednesday for Double-A Northwest Arkansas, going 2-for-4 with a double for the second straight game. It was also the left-handed hitter's fourth consecutive multi-hit performance, upping his season slash line to .300/.373/.529 with four home runs, 20 RBI, 14 runs scored, and a stolen base. The 2024 first-round draft pick should continue to push for a promotion to Triple-A, and if he proves he can hit there, then don't be surprised to see him get a taste of the big leagues by season's end. The Royals' top prospect (MLB No. 20) has big-time power, graded at 70 per MLB.com's scouting report, and if he doesn't have a fantasy impact in 2025, then 2026 should be the year. Redraft managers may have to wait, but dynasty managers should have the 6-foot-5 slugger stashed away already.
Source: MiLB.com
Kansas City Royals first base prospect Source: MiLB.com
Jac Caglianone Posts Third Straight Multi-Hit Game
Jac Caglianone went 3-for-4 with one double, two runs, and a 1:1 K:BB during their contest against Double-A Tulsa on Tuesday evening. Caglianone has enjoyed an impressive start to his time at Double-A and has continued to show improvement. Over his last three contests, Caglianone has tallied at least two hits in each and three hits in two. Through 16 total games with Double-A Northwest Arkansas, last year's sixth overall pick has held a strong .288/.367/.515 slash line with three doubles, four home runs, and tallied 20 RBI. He has shown a strong eye at the plate, holding an 18:9 K:BB. Last summer, the Florida product received a brief taste of High-A ball and hit two home runs in 29 games. If he continues this impressive play, a 2025 MLB debut is not out of the question.
Source: MiLB.com
Kansas City Royals first base prospect Source: MiLB.com
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