Royals' Top Prospect Jac Caglianone Debuts in MLB Amid Playoff Push

Kansas City Royals' top prospect Jac Caglianone made his major league debut as the designated hitter in a victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, though he went hitless in five at-bats, with notable defensive plays preventing hits. Caglianone, drafted sixth overall in 2024 and known for his prodigious power and high exit velocities, became the first Royals player since Bo Jackson in 1986 to debut within a year of being drafted. Esteemed MLB insiders have compared his power to generational stars Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, highlighting his impressive minor league metrics and potential to reshape the Royals' offense. His arrival is seen as a possible turning point for the Royals, who are hovering around the middle of the standings and looking to strengthen their lineup. The call-up has also led to roster changes, with some outfielders like Dairon Blanco being optioned to Triple-A and others potentially becoming trade candidates to optimize the team's roster. Royals analysts and former executives praise Caglianone's impact, emphasizing his raw power and potential to invigorate a team eager for a game-changing presence.