Royals Ripped Over 'Irresponsible' Jac Caglianone Decision

"What Kansas City has done is the single-most irresponsible move I've seen in quite a long time. "Sampson said. "If he's gonna be that good, how do you call him up now, where he will hit arbitration a full year earlier than if they had waited until around June 17th."

Instead, Kansas City promoted their No. 1 prospect after he played only 12 games for Triple-A Omaha. 

"We waited to call up Miguel Cabrera until after June 17, and therefore, we got an extra year at the minimum. I have no idea how a team that's not in the top 10 of payroll is not paying attention to dates. And the Royals forcing the issue? That's a bunch of horse hockey." Sampson said. 

After being selected sixth overall in last July's MLB Draft, Caglianone is on a one-year deal with the Royals for the rookie minimum of $760,000. By being promoted now, the 22-year-old slugger will hit arbitration following the 2027 season. Had the Royals waited until after the "Super Two" cutoff to promote him, they could have gained an extra-year of pre-arbitration control. 

The Royals offensive production has been atrocious this season. As a team, they're averaging 3.3 runs per game and have hit 34 home runs, which ranks dead last in MLB. Caglianone has belted 15 home runs in 50 games across Double-A and Triple-A this season. His bat, regardless of the timing, can only help Kansas City's struggling offense. 

And history may be on his side. 

Per sportswriter Rany Jazayerli, assuming he's in the lineup tonight against the Cardinals, Caglianone will become the first Royals' hitter to debut within one year of being drafted since Bo Jackson in 1986.