Jack Caglianone is Becoming the Royals' Middle-of-the-Order Star
His breakout looks sustainable, and Kansas City's September call-ups could shape the 2027 roster.
Jack Caglianone has emerged as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing Royals season, and One Royal Way’s Joel Penfield believes the breakout is real. After early struggles, Caglianone has posted nearly two months of elite production, hitting close to .300 with significant power while showing an improved ability to battle through tough at-bats against top pitchers like Tarik Skubal. Although plate discipline remains the biggest area for growth, Penfield argues Caglianone is already proving he can be the middle-of-the-order bat Kansas City envisioned when it drafted him. If his production continues through the final six weeks, the Royals should seriously consider a long-term extension alongside Bobby Witt Jr.
Looking ahead, Penfield shifts focus to September roster expansion, arguing the Royals should prioritize evaluating young talent over veterans who won’t factor into the club’s future. He highlights several prospects—including Gavin Cross, Matthew Lugo, Brent Squires, Jacob Berry, Óscar Mercado, Lucas Braun, and Carlos Santana—as players deserving major league opportunities. Even if not all become everyday contributors, giving them meaningful innings and at-bats now could help determine the club’s offseason priorities and identify affordable internal options for 2027 as Kansas City attempts to rebuild its roster.
Three Key Takeaways
Jack Caglianone’s breakout appears legitimate: Since early June, he’s been one of the Royals’ best hitters, combining power with improved contact and showing signs he can become Kansas City’s long-term cleanup hitter.
Plate discipline is the next step: Caglianone’s biggest opportunity for growth is drawing more walks and becoming slightly more selective without sacrificing his aggressive power approach.
September should be about evaluating the future: Penfield wants the Royals to give prospects like Gavin Cross, Matthew Lugo, Brent Squires, Jacob Berry, Óscar Mercado, Lucas Braun, and Carlos Santana extended opportunities instead of continuing to prioritize veteran placeholders.
This recap was produced in part by AI.