Jac Caglianone is known for elite power. Now, he must expand his overall game
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Caglianone is improving plate discipline and pitch selection to raise his average.
- A good WBC showing could ease doubts and affect his 2026 lineup role.
- Playing time will hinge on offense, though his defense is valued.
The Kansas City Royals will look a lot different offensively if Jac Caglianone can hit the ground running this spring.
Last season, Caglianone struggled in his rookie debut at the big-league level. He posted a .157 batting average with seven homers and 18 RBIs.
It was a mixed bag of production. The Royals know Caglianone has elite power and proved it at the minor-league level. However, he doesn’t have a lot of professional at-bats under his belt and is still adjusting to quality pitching.
“When I went to see him in January, he’s completely open to what he learned from last year and how he wants to make corrections and move forward from last season,” Royals hitting coach Alec Zumwalt said. “And he’s come in here and is in a great spot mentally and physically.”
Caglianone is working toward becoming a better hitter. He continues to improve his pitch selection and is working with new hitting coaches Marcus Thames and Connor Dawson to refine his plate discipline.
There were encouraging signs last season. Caglianone walked more after returning from a rehab assignment in September. He recorded 10 walks in 60 at-bats while appearing in 21 games.
If Caglianone can hit homers and post an improved average, it will give the Royals the impact bat they have missed. Media members and fans have seen Caglianone flash during batting practice, though he has also continued to take his lumps.
This spring, Caglianone will play for Italy in the World Baseball Classic. He will see high-level pitching, and a good performance will ease lingering doubts.
Caglianone has renewed optimism for 2026. How he fares early in 2026 could change the Royals’ fortunes in a major way.
“You know, his playing time is going to be driven by his offense,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said. “But we do value his defense and he needs to fit in right field well. And he did a nice job handling it.”
This story was originally published February 19, 2026 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Jac Caglianone is known for elite power. Now, he must expand his overall game."
