Royals slugger Jac Caglianone just gave Florida fans a reason to smile

While Florida fans are wondering about the up and down stretches for Gators baseball, there is one former player who is doing what every Gator fan knew he could. When the Kansas City Royals drafted Jac Caglianone, Florida fans probably didn't expect him to be playing in the outfield, but it seems to be working out in his favor.

Year one for Caglianone was not what he or any Florida fans expected, hitting just .157 overall with only 33 hits, 18 RBIs, and 52 strikeouts in 210 plate appearances. However, in his second season up in the majors, Cags has proven he did the work in the offseason, and it's paying off.

While Cags may not be someone who is locked in the lineup every day like star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., what he is doing at the plate and in the field is certainly earning him more time in the lineup. Cags had his best game for the Royals on Wednesday night vs. the Detroit Tigers. In the last 10 games, Kansas City has struggled tremendously at the plate, but Cags broke out in game two in Detroit.

Cags went a perfect 3-for-3 with two singles, a triple, and a walk at the plate. In the field, Cags even had an outfield assist for an out at the plate, and nearly had two in one inning if it wasn't for a stunning slide by Javier Baez.

Cags had a perfect read on a ball to right field and was ready for the throw home, knowing Baez was going to tag up. Cags' throw was ever so slightly on the first base line side, but he has the speed to get it there in time, but Baez made a crazy slight to avoid the tag from catcher Salvador Perez.

Jac Caglianone is really stepping up in his second season with the Royals

Making the transition from first base to right field is not an easy thing to do, but Cags has done it beautifully so far in his young professional career. Against the Tigers, Cags was showing off his speed and arm strength, with the throw he has to get the out at home clocking in at 98.4 miles per hour.

He even showed off the power with his bat, hitting a ball 113.5 miles per hour off the bat on his triple in the third inning.

It is showing that Cags did the work in the offseason to be ready for his second season in the MLB, as he is hitting .275 overall in 51 plate appearances with 14 hits, four doubles, one triple, and only 17 strikeouts. It is a slow process developing at the highest level, but Cags is proving he can do it, and there is still a long season ahead.

The Royals desperately need offensive help right now, and Cags could be the spark Kansas City needs going forward, which Florida fans would love to see.

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