Royals' Caglianone Focused on Swing Decisions After Steep MLB Learning Curve

The 23-year-old outfielder aims to build on his offseason work as he prepares for his second MLB season.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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After a frustrating debut season in 2025, Royals outfielder Jac Caglianone spent the offseason working to improve his swing decisions and plate discipline. The 23-year-old, who was the Royals' first-round pick in 2024, slashed just .157/.237/.295 with 7 home runs in 62 games at the MLB level last year. Caglianone has been focused on being more selective at the plate and recognizing pitches better, with the help of his father's batting practice sessions. He's also made mechanical adjustments to keep his weight balanced during his swing. The Royals see Caglianone playing a significant role in right field this season, and believe his participation in the World Baseball Classic this spring will provide valuable experience.

Why it matters

Caglianone is one of the Royals' top young talents, and the team is counting on him to establish himself as an everyday player in 2026. After struggling in his MLB debut, Caglianone's offseason work will be crucial to his development and the Royals' hopes of contending this season.

The details

Caglianone had an early idea of what he needed to work on this offseason, and collaborated with his father and the Royals' coaching staff to identify areas for improvement. The main focus was on swing decisions and plate discipline, as Caglianone felt he was getting himself out more than the pitchers were. To help train his quick reaction time, Caglianone had his father throw firm batting practice from just 30 feet away. Mechanically, he worked on keeping his weight balanced rather than being too front-foot heavy during his swing. Mentally, Caglianone tried to learn from the difficulties of his debut season and not let it define him.

  • Caglianone made his MLB debut in 2025.
  • Caglianone was drafted 6th overall by the Royals in 2024.
  • Caglianone will participate in the World Baseball Classic this spring before returning to Royals camp.

The players

Jac Caglianone

A 23-year-old outfielder in the Royals organization, who was the team's first-round pick in 2024 and made his MLB debut in 2025.

Jeff Caglianone

Jac Caglianone's father, who has been working with him on his swing and plate discipline this offseason.

Alec Zumwalt

The Royals' hitting coach, who has been working closely with Caglianone on his development.

Royals

The Major League Baseball team that drafted Jac Caglianone and is counting on him to be a key part of their lineup in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“When I went to go see him [in Tampa] in January, he [was] completely open to what he learned from last year and how he wants to make corrections and move forward from last season.”

— Alec Zumwalt, Royals Hitting Coach (mlb.com)

“One of the biggest things I took away from last year was these guys are really good at throwing strike-to-ball pitches. Out of the hand, it looks really good, and it ends up being a 58-foot curveball.”

— Jac Caglianone (mlb.com)

“Learning new ways to attack it when things don't go well for a couple of games instead of hitting the panic button too quickly. Realizing that you're good. It's just baseball. That's the biggest thing.”

— Jac Caglianone (mlb.com)

What’s next

Caglianone will participate in the World Baseball Classic this spring before returning to Royals camp to continue preparing for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Caglianone's offseason work on his swing decisions and plate discipline, combined with the experience he'll gain from the World Baseball Classic, could be key to him establishing himself as an everyday player for the Royals in 2026 and helping the team contend.