A former Gator is set to make even more history for himself as his illustrious rookie campaign continues. Because of his father being in the military and his dual citizen status, Kansas City Royals’ 2024 draft pick out of the University of Florida, Jac Caglianone, had the option of either playing for Team Puerto Rico or Team Italy in the spring classic. But as Caglianone had hinted at prior and as became official by the Kansas City Royals earlier in the week, Caglianone will suit up for Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Cags is heading to the Classic. 🤌
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) February 6, 2026
Jac Caglianone will be representing Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. pic.twitter.com/0sVMk7Mv5A
In his first partial season in the big leagues, the 22-year old from Tampa, hit .157/.237/.295, with a .532 OPS in 62 games played. That included six doubles, a triple, and seven home runs. The rookie right fielder drove in 18 RBIs and 19 runs scored, along with accruing 18 walks.
Caglianone did miss some time between July to September with a left hamstring strain, but was activated in the beginning of September to finish out the season in the big leagues after a short rehab stint back down in Omaha.
Prior to being brought up to the big leagues in June, with Triple-A Omaha, Caglianone was hitting a massive .357/.426/.705, with a 1.131 OPS. He had six doubles, 11 home runs, and drove in 29 RBIs and 26 runs scored in just 28 Triple-A games before hearing his name called to join Kansas City.
Along with Caglianone, the Royals are sending thirteen other players to the spring classic as well:
Jorge Alfaro (Colombia)
Eric Cerantola (Canada)
Carlos Estevez (Dominican Republic)
Maikel Garcia (Venezuela)
Omar Hernandez (Cuba)
Seth Lugo (Puerto Rico)
Eli Morgan (Israel)
Vinnie Pasquantino (Italy)
Salvador Perez (Venezuela)
Oscar Rayo (Nicaragua)
Abraham Toro (Canada)
Michael Wacha (United States)
Bobby Witt Jr. (United States)
This will be the rookie’s first World Baseball Classic appearance.