Royals' Former First-Round Pick Poised for Breakout Season

Jac Caglianone looks to make an impact after an injury-shortened debut in 2025.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:18pm

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Jac Caglianone, the Kansas City Royals' first-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, is primed for a breakout season in 2026 after a solid but injury-plagued debut last year. The Florida University slugger is healthy and coming off an impressive showing for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic, where he helped upset a star-studded USA squad. ESPN's Kiley McDaniel believes Caglianone has "massive, franchise-shaking upside" and could be a difference-maker in the Royals' lineup, especially with the team's recent decision to move in the fences at Kauffman Stadium.

Why it matters

Caglianone was a highly touted prospect coming out of the 2024 draft, and his development will be crucial for the Royals as they look to return to contention in the AL Central. If he can live up to his potential, he could provide a much-needed power boost to a Royals offense that has struggled in recent years.

The details

Caglianone made his MLB debut on June 3, 2025, but his season was cut short by a left hamstring injury. Despite the tough luck, he showed flashes of his potential, and the Royals are optimistic that he can build on that experience this year. The team's decision to move in the fences at Kauffman Stadium should also benefit Caglianone, a powerful left-handed hitter.

  • Caglianone was selected 6th overall by the Royals in the 2024 MLB Draft.
  • He made his MLB debut on June 3, 2025.
  • Caglianone recently represented Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

The players

Jac Caglianone

A highly touted prospect selected 6th overall by the Kansas City Royals in the 2024 MLB Draft, Caglianone is a powerful left-handed hitter who is poised for a breakout season in 2026 after an injury-shortened debut in 2025.

Kiley McDaniel

An ESPN baseball analyst who believes Caglianone has "massive, franchise-shaking upside" and could be a difference-maker for the Royals this season.

Travis Bazzana

The first overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, selected by the Cleveland Guardians.

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What they’re saying

“This might be the easiest pick of this entire exercise. Cags has massive, franchise-shaking upside and was pretty solid last season, but tough ball-in-play luck tanked his numbers. He looks good this spring, and I think he'll have a huge year.”

— Kiley McDaniel, ESPN Baseball Analyst

What’s next

The Royals will be closely monitoring Caglianone's progress during spring training as they look to determine his role for the 2026 season. If he continues to impress, he could earn a starting spot in the Royals' lineup on Opening Day.

The takeaway

Caglianone's development will be a key storyline to watch for the Royals in 2026, as the team looks to return to contention in the AL Central. If he can stay healthy and live up to his potential, he could provide a much-needed power boost to the Royals' lineup and help the team take a step forward after a disappointing 2025 campaign.