As the Kansas City Royals’ outfielders struggle at the plate, former Florida Gator, Jac Caglianone is swinging a red-hot bat down in Double-A Northwest Arkansas.
The left-handed first baseman has hit four home runs in the last three days, including two home runs on Tuesday in the Naturals’ 5-4 win over the Wind Surge. Caglianone was 3-for-4 on the day with four RBIs and two runs scored, contributing in a big way to his team’s win and to his chances at seeing a Triple-A call-up sooner than later.
Florida Gators legend Jac Caglianone looking for an early call-up
Royals general manager, J.J. Picollo spoke with the media prior to their game Monday and said they’re not in a rush to get Caglianone to Triple-A, but didn’t deny it being discussed. “We need him to just keep doing what he’s doing,” said Picollo. “There’s just no timetable on it (sending him to Triple-A). We like what he’s doing, we’re happy what he’s doing… We’re trying to allow him to develop properly as a hitter.”
After those comments were made, Caglianone went 3-for-4 and hit the two home runs. On the season now, he is batting .330/.406/.606, with a 1.012 OPS, including six doubles, eight total home runs, 31 RBIs, and 24 runs scored. He has at least one or more hit in 13 of the Naturals’ last 15 games as well,
The way Caglianone is hitting the ball has many scouts and reporters thinking it won’t be too long before the Royals’ 2024 first-round draft pick from Tampa, FL. makes his way to Omaha, Nebraska for the next level of his journey to the big leagues.
While his experience is primarily in the infield, the Royals could also use him in the outfield where their biggest need might be. He will focus on being a position player, but the Royals have given him outfield experience with the fact that should the Royals need him sooner than they think, his bat could help them compete in the AL Central and the biggest hole he has the potential to fill will be the outfield.
The Naturals’ series against the Wind Surge continues on Wednesday night at 7:05 PM CDT. Time will tell if Caglianone will still be there; and if he his, will he keep his home run streak alive? Those questions will be answered as the week continues for the Caglianone and the Naturals.