Royals calling up top prospect Jac Caglianone: Report

Jaylon Thompson, The Kansas City Star on Jun 1, 2025

Published in Baseball

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The wait is over. Jac Caglianone is headed to Kauffman Stadium.

On Sunday, the Kansas City Royals promoted Caglianone from Triple-A Omaha after a torrid start in the minor leagues. ESPN insider Jeff Passan first reported the news.

Caglianone showcased his elite power across two different levels, beginning with Double-A.

In 38 games with Northwest Arkansas, Caglianone hit .322 with nine home runs and 43 RBIs. He posted a .947 OPS (on-base plus slugging) and showcased his versatility by learning the outfield.

The Royals deployed Caglianone in the corner outfield spots. He played three times a week in the outfield while maintaining reps at first base.

There were multiple highlights. Caglianone hit a mammoth 464-foot home run that generated social media attention. He also drew praise from former Royals and several others around the league.

Caglianone needed a new challenge. In May, the Royals promoted him to Triple-A Omaha to face a higher difficulty of pitching.

The new level didn’t faze Caglianone. He ended his first week with five home runs and 10 RBIs, including his first multi-homer effort, with the Omaha Storm Chasers.

With each homer, there were calls for his big league promotion. Caglianone became one of the biggest topics around Major League Baseball.

Finally, the Royals reportedly have made the decision. His arrival infuses the Royals batting order with another offensive threat.

KC has struggled to score runs while searching for an impact bat. Recently, the Royals optioned MJ Melendez, designated Hunter Renfroe for assignment and called up John Rave, Drew Waters and Nick Loftin.

Caglianone adds a powerful punch. He offers 70-grade power and has improved his swing-and-miss rates.

The Royals have relied on Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez to carry the offensive load for years. This season, Maikel Garcia has played at an All-Star level to supplement the club.

However, the Royals expected more from infielders Jonathan India and Michael Massey. Both players have struggled at the plate. Caglianone could stabilize the batting order and take pressure off the top stars.

The Royals are in the middle of a tight division race. The American League Central features four teams vying for a postseason berth. The Royals are battling the Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Guardians for the divisional crown.

The Royals said they didn’t want to rush Caglianone through the minors. Now, his arrival signals a full-fledged push toward an offensive resurgence.