Royals top prospect Jac Caglianone getting his chance

The Kansas City Royals desperately need to improve the production in their outfield. That upgrade may come from within.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported on Sunday that the Royals are promoting top prospect Jac Caglianone to the majors. The sixth overall selection in the 2024 MLB Draft, Caglianone will reach the majors in less than a year since being drafted.

The Royals' top prospect, and the 10th-best prospect in the game per MLB.com, Caglianone forced his way to the majors as he annihilated minor league pitching. He had posted a .323/.391/.600 batting line in 225 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A entering Sunday, belting 15 homers and nine doubles.

If Caglianone can provide a fraction of that minor league production, he would provide an immediate upgrade to the outfield. Royals outfielders had posted a .237/.283/.330 batting line with just seven homers entering Sunday. 

The Royals have made several moves to attempt to improve the outfield. Former top prospect MJ Melendez was banished to Triple-A in April after a dreadful start to the season. Hunter Renfroe was one of the worst players in the majors before being released at the end of May. 

However, the Royals' outfield is not the only culprit in their struggles offensively. Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., third baseman Makiel Garcia and outfielder Drew Waters are the only players with more than 20 plate appearances who have performed better than league average thus far. The Royals have been shut out six times already this year; their 194 runs are tied with the Pirates for 28th in the majors. Caglianone may be the hitter the Royals desperately need as they look to return to the postseason.