Jac Caglianone Shows Power Despite Slow Start with Royals
Kansas City Royals rookie Jac Caglianone is having a challenging season, but his ability to hit a baseball with incredible power is undeniable. On Wednesday, during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Caglianone showcased this talent in a big way. He launched a spectacular 466-foot home run over the center-field batter’s eye, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The ball traveled at an impressive speed of 110.8 mph off the bat, extending the Royals’ lead to 3-0 in the game.
This home run marked the fourth of Caglianone’s budding career, which has spanned just 32 games. His powerful swing is something that fans and team members have eagerly anticipated, especially since he was the sixth overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. Caglianone started the season as a widely recognized top prospect in baseball, and many eyes were on him when he made his MLB debut in early June after a successful stint in both Double-A and Triple-A baseball.
Despite the excitement surrounding his potential, the transition to the major leagues has proven difficult for Caglianone. He currently struggles to reach a batting average above .200, a significant drop from what many expected based on his previous performances. His first home run came just two weeks into his major league career, indicating the adjustment has been far from smooth.
According to Baseball Savant, Caglianone’s recent home run is tied for the 10th longest in Major League Baseball this season. It stands as the second-longest hit by a rookie, surpassed only by Denzel Clarke’s 471-foot blast earlier this month. In fact, Caglianone’s powerful hit at Kauffman Stadium is ranked as one of the top home runs recorded by Statcast this year.
Even though his batting average is below expectations, Caglianone has room for growth at just 22 years old. His underlying statistics, which analyze aspects like expected batting average and slugging percentage, suggest he could have had better results. Statistical measures indicate he might have been hitting around .249 and slugging .432 if luck had been on his side. His current batting average on balls in play (BABIP) stands at a mere .163, indicating he hasn’t caught many breaks with batted balls.
The Royals find themselves at a turning point this season, sitting with a record of 45-48 and just 3.5 games behind in the AL wild-card race. Given the competitive nature of the league, the team had higher hopes for Caglianone, especially as they look to be in contention. The stakes of his struggles are noteworthy, as the team needs consistent performances from players like him to stay in the hunt.
Wednesday’s home run offered a glimpse of the kind of impact Caglianone can have on the field, and fans are eager to witness more moments like it. As he continues to navigate the complexities of major league pitching, there is cautious optimism that he will find his footing. The Royals are hopeful that Caglianone can contribute in a meaningful way as the season progresses.
In conclusion, while Jac Caglianone’s start in Major League Baseball has not been what everyone anticipated, his recent home run serves as a reminder of his talent. The Royals are waiting for the day when he consistently showcases this power, turning potential into performance. With time on his side, Caglianone has the opportunity to adjust and hopefully become a key player for Kansas City. Fans and team alike will be watching closely to see how his season unfolds.
