Florida Gator great Jac Caglianone launches ball into river for first pro home run

Since getting drafted by the Kansas City Royals, Florida Gator great Jac Caglianone had a couple of weeks to gather himself before being sent off to the thankless grind of minor-league baseball. Caglianone was sent to the Quad Cities River Bandits in Davenport, Iowa, earlier this week, a High-A affiliate of the Royals.

And if yesterday was any indication, Caglianone won't be staying in Davenport for long.

Florida Baseball: Into The River

Facing the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, Caglianone came up in the bottom of the 8th with the bases loaded and the game well in hand. But Caglianone wanted to put his stamp on the game and showcase why he was the 6th overall pick in the 2024 draft.

With a full count, Caglianone launched the ball over the right-field fence and into the Mississippi River.

It is Caglianone's first home run in the minors. Through 16 at-bats with the River Bandits, Caglianone is 3 for 16.

During his time with the Gators, Caglianone helped lead Florida to back-to-back College World Series appearances, making the championship series in 2023 and the semifinals in 2024. He broke Florida's all-time home run record with 75 during his time in Gainesville and tied an NCAA record in 2024 when he homered in nine straight games.

While Caglianone is capable of a 100 MPH fastball, he will focus on being a first baseman in his initial quest to make it to the majors.

And if Caglianone can keep launching balls into the Mississippi River like he did on Saturday, he can fast track himself to Kansas City similar to how Wyatt Langford did so last season with Texas.