Royals President Sends Message as Jac Caglianone Decision Nears

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 7:19 PM ET

The Kansas City Royals have put together another solid season and currently hold a 69–65 record heading into a weekend series against the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers.

Kansas City remains in the postseason hunt as the organization looks to secure back-to-back playoff appearances, though they’ll need to gain ground—currently sitting 3.0 games behind the Seattle Mariners for the final wild card spot.

With one month remaining, rosters will expand on September 1, and the Royals are expected to add one pitcher and one batter.

A candidate to rejoin the active roster is rookie left-handed slugger Jac Caglianone, an exciting young player the Royals selected sixth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft.

Royals president of baseball operations J.J. Picollo addressed the team's roster expansion plans on Friday amid fan speculation surrounding Caglianone’s return, not guaranteeing Caglianone would return to the team in 2025.

“#Royals GM J.J. Picollo said the club has not made a decision on which hitter will be called up when rosters expand on Sept. 1. Being in the playoff race, along with additions of Yastrzemski, Grichuk and Frazier, does not guarantee Jac Caglianone will rejoin the club next week,” wrote MLB.com’s Jackson Stone.

#Royals GM J.J. Picollo said the club has not made a decision on which hitter will be called up when rosters expand on Sept. 1.

Being in the playoff race, along with additions of Yastrzemski, Grichuk and Frazier, does not guarantee Jac Caglianone will rejoin the club next week.
— Jackson Stone (@Jackson_Stoneee) August 29, 2025

Royals Face Tough Decision on Jac Caglianone

Caglianone has been on a rehab assignment after suffering a left hamstring strain, but his health no longer appears to be a concern. Instead, the decision may hinge on his development, as the 22-year-old rookie struggled during his first stint in the majors—collecting just 22 hits in 150 at-bats (.147 average) with 34 strikeouts.

Still, Caglianone has made the decision difficult. He’s been dominant during his rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha.

With the Royals in a tight playoff race and Caglianone’s rehab assignment set to expire on September 1, the organization will need to weigh his long-term development against his potential impact down the stretch.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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