With Opening Day just around the corner, the Kansas City Royals, like many teams, are in the process of finalizing their 40-man roster. This stage of cuts often involves players on the fringes—those likely to move between Triple-A and the majors—or young prospects who are close to breaking into the big leagues.
On Monday, the Royals reassigned a few notable names to minor league camp, including outfielders Gavin Cross and John Rave, as well as shortstop Cam Devanney. However, the most significant name on that list is first baseman and top prospect Jac Caglianone.
Caglianone impressed during his first-ever spring training, delivering extraordinary results at the plate. He hit an astounding .529 with three home runs, leading the team in both categories, and posted a remarkable 1.871 OPS. His power stood out, especially with two exit velocities over 114 mph, positioning him among the top power hitters in the majors. On March 9, he crushed a towering 444-foot home run, fueling the ongoing debate about whether he should make the opening day roster.
For Royals fans, the decision to reassign Caglianone to the minors is a tough one. The 6’5″ first-round pick from 2024 has exceeded expectations and appears ready for the big leagues. However, the Royals’ current roster presents a challenge to his immediate promotion. Vinnie Pasquantino, a key fixture in the lineup, is expected to continue his strong performance in 2025, potentially even earning an All-Star nod. Veteran Salvador Pérez also factors into the first base rotation while managing his duties behind the plate. With both Pasquantino and Pérez splitting time at first base and DH, there simply aren’t enough opportunities for Caglianone to get regular at-bats.
This decision isn’t based on poor performance, but rather on the team’s current roster dynamics. Sending Caglianone to the minors allows him to continue developing and getting consistent playing time, which will be crucial for his growth.
However, if Caglianone continues to dominate in the minors, the Royals will eventually have to find a way to bring him up. Whether due to injury, underperformance, or a shake-up in the lineup, there will be pressure to make room for him. With playoff aspirations in mind, the Royals have an abundance of talent—a problem that many teams wish they had. If Caglianone keeps his torrid pace, the Royals will have no choice but to get his bat into the lineup. His major league debut in 2025 may come sooner than expected, and when it does, it will surely generate excitement among the fanbase in Kansas City.
The Royals’ postseason hopes could very well rely on how they manage the wealth of talent on their roster—including Jac Caglianone.
