The Kansas City Royals made the postseason for the first time since winning the World Series in 2015 after finishing with a record of 86-76 and tied for second in the American League Central in 2024.
Not only did the Royals finally get back into the playoffs, but they swept the Baltimore Orioles in the wild-card round before losing to the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series.
This offseason, the Royals made a few acquisitions, including second baseman Jonathan India, relief pitcher Carlos Estevez and outfielder Joey Wiemer.
MLB analyst Jaylon Thompson adds that Royals prospect Jac Caglianone could have an impact on the team in 2025.
“If he’s going to make an impact on the MLB roster, he might have to work on his defensive skills, and he might see some reps in the outfield,” Thompson said, via Foul Territory.
“They want him to hit, that’s what they drafted him for.”@jaylonthompson says this 2-way @Royals prospect is more likely to be an impact bat. pic.twitter.com/cTW04p1Lsn
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 4, 2025
Caglianone is a 21-year-old who is reported to play both ways including at first base and as a starting pitcher.
After being selected in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft, Caglianone played in the fall league, where his numbers were impressive.
There, he played 21 games and batted .236 with five home runs, 21 RBIs and a .749 OPS.
Thompson mentions that the Royals drafted Caglianone to hit, and five home runs through 21 games proved he is capable of doing so.
The Royals will try to make back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time since 2014 and 2015, and Caglianone could make an impact as they try to accomplish that.
