Imagine stepping up to the plate and crushing a baseball harder than anyone else in the league. That’s exactly what Kansas City Royals’ outfielder Jac Caglianone is doing this spring, and it’s turning heads across Major League Baseball. But here’s where it gets controversial: After a rocky rookie season in 2025, many wrote him off as just another young player struggling to adjust to the big leagues. Yet, Caglianone seems to have silenced the doubters—at least for now.
Let’s break it down. Through six spring training games, Caglianone boasts a staggering .400 batting average, ranking him seventh among all MLB hitters. His on-base-plus slugging percentage (OPS) of 1.284? That’s good enough for fifth place across both the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues. And this is the part most people miss: It’s not just about hitting for average—it’s about the power behind those hits.
MLB stats expert Sarah Langs dropped a jaw-dropping fact on X (formerly Twitter): Out of the eight tracked batted balls exceeding 115 mph this spring, Caglianone is the only player with multiple entries. We’re talking a 120.2 mph double, a 116.5 mph double, and a 115.2 mph home run. To put it simply, no one is hitting the ball harder than him right now. Bold claim? Maybe. But the numbers don’t lie.
Here’s another encouraging sign: Caglianone has walked five times while striking out just three times, showcasing improved plate discipline. For a player who struggled to find his footing in 2025, this spring feels like a redemption arc. But is it sustainable? That’s the million-dollar question.
Controversial interpretation alert: Some might argue that spring training stats don’t always translate to regular-season success. Fair point. But if Caglianone’s adjustments are as real as they seem, we could be witnessing the rise of a breakout star. What do you think? Is Caglianone the real deal, or is this just a spring fling? Let’s hear your take in the comments!
