Jac Caglianone's historic game indicative of improbable season

Kansas City Royals first baseman Jac Caglianone (14) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Kauffman Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Royals' Jac Caglianone's historic performance indicative of improbable season

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Aug 9, 2026 12:19 AM ET

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Despite the overall struggles of the team throughout the 2026 season, Jac Caglianone continues to show the future can be bright for the Kansas City Royals.

All in all, his latest performance, the top moment of his career to date, enhances an improbable season for the young right fielder.

Caglianone even made franchise history while leading Kansas City to a 6-3 win over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday night.

He hit two home runs as part of a four-hit performance, finishing 4-for-4 with the pair of bombs, two doubles and four total RBI.

Jac Caglianone joined a short list with four extra-base hits

Caglianone's fourth multi-homer game of the season also became only the seventh time in Royals history a player recorded four extra-base hits and the first since Kendrys Morales did it on Sept. 20, 2015. At only 23, Caglianone is the youngest on the list.

He now has 20 home runs, with three coming in August, 49 RBI, 51 runs scored, 21 doubles and a couple of triples in 109 games and 390 at-bats on the year. And in addition to his power numbers, Caglianone has a current slash line of .264/.318/.481.

Jac Caglianone is the seventh player in Royals history with four extra-base hits in a game

First since 9/20/15 Kendrys Morales

Caglianone is the youngest on the list https://t.co/igUpzgdTxx
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) August 9, 2026

Caglianone has emerged in 2026 after struggling at the plate as a rookie

Caglianone's 2026 has been a noticeable leap from his production once called up last season. After making his MLB debut on June 3, 2025, Caglianone posted only a .157 batting average, a .237 OBP and a .295 slug in 210 at-bats across 62 games as a rookie.

He did show some signs of pop in the second half of 2025, though, crushing seven home runs and smacking six doubles and a triple to go along with 18 RBI and scoring 19 runs.

Seemingly out of nowhere, the 49-69 Royals have found another player to build around thanks to the emergence of Caglianone in an otherwise miserable season.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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