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Kansas City Royals writer reacts to drafting Florida Gator star Jac Caglianone

Royals fans are thrilled that Jac Caglianone fell to them at 6th overall

By Benjamin Henderson

Jun 19, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida Gators first baseman Jac Caglianone (14) singles in the Texas A&M Aggies during the eighth inning at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida Gators first baseman Jac Caglianone (14) singles in the Texas A&M Aggies during the eighth inning at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports / Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
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HFH:

Former Gator Brady Singer is also a former 1st round pick with Kansas City in 2018. It wasn't until 2022 he made it a full season with the Royals. Was his journey something specific to him or was it emblematic of the Royals farm system and what realistic expectations should be set for how quickly Caglianone will navigate Kansas City's farm system?

JM:

The Royals farm system has undergone some drastic changes in recent years, thanks to J.J. Picollo rising to the organization's top spot. The entire 2018 class, one where Kansas City heavily invested in collegiate starting pitching, will go down as one of the worst groups in recent draft history. Singer is the only pitcher from that class to stay in the rotation and have an overall positive impact during his MLB time.

I think while Kansas City's farm system did not help Singer or the lost pandemic season, I think his journey hinged more upon some of Singer's apparent stubbornness. If Caglianone does have that same outlook on coming to Kansas City, it could potentially hinder his development and success within the organization. However, if he can adapt and remain open to growth and change, he may have a better chance of making a positive impact.

HFH:

Your current 1st baseman Vinnie Pasquantino is hitting .243 with 11 HRs. Is he someone Kansas City fans are hoping Caglainone can provide an upgrade to or are there other players fans were hoping to target?

JM:

My gauge of the Royals fanbase right now is that they hope Pasquantino and Caglianone play alongside each other. Projecting where a draftee fits into the MLB roster three years down the line is never a perfect science, but having two bat-first left-handing first basemen is somewhat of a conundrum. Pasquantino isn't living up to some lofty expectations from fans, but there is a recent history of Kansas City having a logjam at first base. Billy Butler and Eric Hosmer both coexisted in Kansas City a decade ago, something that Kansas City fans don't forget.

I hoped Kansas City would target pitching at sixth overall, but they did so with their remaining picks through two days. That is more of the ripple effect of Burns and Smith going so early. But again, at least Kansas City picked the best player that fell to them, and having too much talent is never a bad problem.

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