CHICAGO — Jac Caglianone, showing resilience after a slow start, delivered an impressive performance by going 4 for 4 on Sunday, aiding the Kansas City Royals in their 7-5 triumph over the Chicago White Sox. This stellar outing at the plate followed a challenging start in his major league career, during which he managed only two hits in his first 21 at-bats across five games.
“A huge thanks to all the guys out here in the locker room. They were very supportive through it all,” Caglianone expressed. “Hitting balls hard, not really much to show for it. Thankfully, they found some grass today.” His first hit came with a single to center in the opening inning. He impressively doubled in the fourth, smashing the ball into the right-center gap with an exit velocity of 113.6 mph. He then recorded singles in both the sixth and eighth innings.
“Jac’s had 20 at-bats, and he’s squared a bunch of balls up in those 20,” remarked Royals manager Matt Quatraro. “Today he got rewarded for it.”
The 22-year-old Caglianone was nabbed by Kansas City as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 amateur draft from the University of Florida. As a versatile outfielder and first baseman, he showcased his potential in the minor leagues, boasting a .322 average accompanied by 15 home runs and 56 RBIs before his recent promotion.
Caglianone made his major league debut last Tuesday against the St. Louis Cardinals, although the game saw him go 0 for 5 as part of a 10-7 Royals victory. During his first at-bat, he delivered a powerful shot to right-center that was caught by the center fielder just short of the wall. He then secured his initial major league hits in a doubleheader’s opener by doubling in a run against the Cardinals and singling against the White Sox on Saturday.
“I can’t wait to see what that guy’s going to do in the big leagues,” enthused catcher Salvador Perez. “He’s one of the best. That’s a big dude, too, so I think he’s going to do well.” Caglianone, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 250 pounds, continues to benefit from guidance from Perez and his teammates. Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. has been mentoring him with practical advice, including the tip of “Have two of everything” when traveling to be always prepared.
As his budding career continues, Caglianone is set to potentially make his home debut when the Royals face off against the New York Yankees at the start of a three-game series on Tuesday night. “I’m super fired up. I think I’m more excited for that than I was for the actual debut itself,” he shared. “I have a lot of family and friends coming to that, so I’m excited to see them, and I’m excited to see all the fans at (Kauffman Stadium).”