Jac Caglianone Erupts with Four Hits, Shakes Off Early Slump in Royals Win
CHICAGO – June 8, 2025 — For Jac Caglianone, the first few games of his major league career felt like a trial by fire. After being drafted sixth overall just last year and tearing through the minor leagues, expectations were sky-high. But baseball is a game of adjustments, and after five tough outings with just two hits in 21 at-bats, the 22-year-old finally exploded.
On a sun-soaked Sunday afternoon at Guaranteed Rate Field, Caglianone gave the Kansas City Royals exactly what they’d been hoping for — and a little more. He went a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate, helping lift the Royals to a 7-5 win over the Chicago White Sox. The rookie slugger’s breakout performance marked his first multi-hit game in the big leagues, and perhaps the beginning of something much bigger.
“This game tests you,” Caglianone said afterward, the relief visible in his smile. “I’ve been hitting balls hard, just not getting results. Today, things finally started falling.”
Hard Work Rewarded with a Perfect Day
Caglianone’s day began with a sharp single to center field in the first inning, a clean stroke that instantly seemed to signal a change in fortune. He followed it up with a blistering double to right-center in the fourth — a rocket off the bat with a jaw-dropping 113.6 mph exit velocity.
But he wasn’t done.
In the sixth, he ripped another single, this one grounded through the left side. And for good measure, he added a fourth hit in the eighth inning, again going up the middle. By the time the final out was recorded, Caglianone had reached base in every plate appearance and gave the Royals a crucial offensive boost.
“Jac’s had maybe 20 at-bats so far, and he’s squared up more balls than people realize,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Today, he got rewarded. And honestly, it’s been coming.”
Growing Pains and Patience
The start to Caglianone’s MLB journey wasn’t what fairy tales are made of — at least, not at first. He debuted earlier in the week during a Royals road trip that began in St. Louis, going hitless in five at-bats in a 10-7 win. Though he crushed a ball to deep right-center in his very first major league swing, it was snagged on the run by the Cardinals’ Victor Scott II, a play that summed up his early luck.
Rather than dwell on it, Caglianone stayed focused. His teammates, especially veterans like Salvador Perez and Bobby Witt Jr., surrounded him with support and encouragement. And it paid off — not just statistically, but mentally.
“It’s been awesome having guys like Salvy [Perez] and Bobby [Witt] around,” Caglianone said. “They’ve helped me more with the mental side — not letting a slow start define anything.”
Witt, known for his leadership and sense of humor, has taken it upon himself to pass along one new tip or rule to Caglianone every day. On Saturday, it was about packing.
“He told me, ‘Always have two of everything when we travel,’” Caglianone laughed. “That way, you’re not scrambling when we hit the road. I never thought about that. It’s those little things that help you settle in.”
The Road to the Big Leagues
A product of the University of Florida, where he gained national attention for both his power and presence at the plate, Caglianone was a standout in college. The Royals grabbed him with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, betting on his ability to anchor their lineup in the future.
He quickly made his mark in the minor leagues, splitting time between two affiliates and posting a combined .322 average with 15 home runs and 56 RBIs. His bat stayed hot all season, and the Royals had seen enough — they called him up just a week ago.
“His bat is special,” said Royals hitting coach Alec Zumwalt. “It’s not just power — it’s approach, discipline, the ability to adjust. He’s just scratching the surface.”
A New Star on the Horizon
The Royals are no strangers to rebuilding, and in recent years, their focus has shifted to building a young, dynamic core. With players like Witt Jr. and now Caglianone, the organization is hoping to foster a new era of success. And performances like Sunday’s only strengthen the belief that Jac is going to be a foundational piece.
“You watch him take batting practice and you just go, ‘Wow,’” said Perez, who has seen plenty of young talent come and go. “He’s one of the best young hitters I’ve seen. Big, strong, smart. He’s going to do great things.”
At 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, Caglianone is every bit the physical presence you’d want in a middle-of-the-order hitter. But it’s his humility and willingness to learn that are turning heads inside the clubhouse.
“He’s a sponge,” said Quatraro. “Wants to learn, wants to improve, wants to help the team win. That’s what you want in a young player.”
Looking Ahead: Kauffman Stadium Awaits
Caglianone’s big day in Chicago may have silenced any whispers of early struggles, but the rookie is already looking ahead — and he’s especially excited about what comes next.
He’s set to make his home debut on Tuesday night when the Royals return to Kansas City to host the New York Yankees. And with family and friends planning to attend, it could be another emotional milestone.
“I’m probably more pumped for Tuesday than I was for the debut,” Caglianone admitted. “It’s going to be so cool to play in front of everyone at Kauffman [Stadium]. Seeing familiar faces in the crowd, being at home — that’s going to be really special.”
The Bigger Picture
While Caglianone’s 4-for-4 performance was a personal breakthrough, it also helped his team notch an important win. The Royals, who have shown flashes of competitiveness this season, are aiming to stay relevant in the AL Central. Every win counts, and every new contributor matters.
The victory pushed Kansas City a game closer to the division leaders and offered a glimpse of what the future could look like — a young slugger stepping into his own, backed by a team that believes in his potential.
It’s too early to crown Jac Caglianone as the next face of the franchise, but if Sunday was any indication, he’s well on his way.
Source: Jac Caglianone posts his first multihit game with Royals
Final Thoughts
Every young hitter experiences growing pains at the major league level. The pitching is faster, the scouting is deeper, and the margin for error is razor-thin. But what separates those who succeed from those who fade is the ability to adjust, trust the process, and keep showing up.
On Sunday, Jac Caglianone showed up — and then some.
With his first four-hit game now under his belt, confidence will be high as he steps into a new phase of his rookie journey. The Royals, their fans, and even opposing teams will be watching closely.
Because if this is just the beginning, Kansas City might have something truly special on their hands.
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