Jac Caglianone of the Kansas City Royals Big League Trial: Can the Royals’ Power Prospect Deliver Now?
Caglianone has landed in Kansas City, and while his MLB debut hasn’t lit fireworks just yet, the buzz around the slugging lefty is building. A dominant two-way force at the University of Florida, Caglianone was called up by the Royals as a potential cornerstone piece. But the question remains—is he ready to make a fantasy and betting impact right now, or is this still a long-term investment?
Let’s break down his early performance, usage trends, and how you should approach him in betting markets and fantasy formats.
Royal Arrival, Rocky Start: The Numbers So Far
Let’s be clear—Caglianone hasn’t torn the cover off the ball. He’s batting just .220 over his first week with the big club, with only 4 hits in his first 19 at-bats. There are hints of progress: his approach is starting to stabilize, and he’s seen a bump in hard-hit rate over his last few games. But the Royals’ lineup inconsistency—and his own position shuffle—hasn’t helped his rhythm.
He was a full-time first baseman in college, but Kansas City has experimented with him in the outfield. Against the Yankees, that experiment looked shaky. And if you’re trying to break through at the plate, learning a new position at the same time rarely helps.
Betting Angle:
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Caglianone HR props remain off the board in many markets until he stabilizes, but if you see a line like +600 or higher, it’s worth a sprinkle.
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Fade him in total bases props for now, especially against lefties.
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Under on fantasy points props may still have value until he finds his swing.
Dynasty Watch: Caglianone vs. Nick Kurtz (Athletics) vs. Roman Anthony (Boston Red Sox)
Let’s frame this correctly: Jac Caglianone isn’t a finished product. He’s a long-ball machine with serious leverage power, but he’s not yet the polished hitter that Anthony appears to be. Where Anthony is more balanced and disciplined, Caglianone brings more swing-and-miss but game-changing power. If you’re comparing upside, he’s in that elite tier with Kurtz, and it’s a valid debate: ceiling vs. proximity.
Long-term? Cags could lead this trio in home runs.
Short-term? You might rather have Kurtz in your lineup.
Will He Pitch? A Two-Way Dream Still on Ice
One of the biggest unknowns around Caglianone is whether he’ll ever pitch in the majors. He posted mid-90s velocity and a nasty slider in college, but so far, the Royals have made no serious effort to put him on the mound. And frankly, with the organization’s cautious approach and limited depth around him, it’s unlikely we see that path explored in 2025.
Unless Kansas City collapses out of contention and begins experimenting in September, don’t expect Cags to pull a Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers imitation just yet.
Is He a Must-Start in Fantasy or DFS?
Not quite yet. His early numbers don’t scream “must-play,” but if you’re desperate for cheap power upside in DFS, he’s a sneaky GPP dart throw—especially against mediocre right-handers in hitter-friendly parks.
DFS/Prop Recommendations:
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Start Caglianone in deep AL-only formats
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Avoid in cash games or single-entry DFS
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Watch for home games vs. mid-tier RHP for prop value
Bottom Line: Wait for the Pop, Then Buy In
Caglianone is still feeling his way through MLB pitching, and it’s clear the Royals are asking a lot—learning a new position, adjusting to major league breaking balls, and stepping into a struggling lineup. But the talent is undeniable, and the long-term outlook is promising.
Betting Verdict:
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Short-Term: Stay cautious. Under props, fade in DFS.
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Midseason: Watch closely for a hot streak—it’ll come. When it does, the value window will slam shut.
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Long-Term Futures: If you can grab him at long odds for 2026 Rookie of the Year or HR leader, the upside is worth it.
He’s not there yet—but the thunder is coming.
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