After breakout 2026 with the bat, all eyes on Caglianone's defensive growth

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Jac Caglianone spent much of the 2026 season making his mark at the plate for the Royals. But after establishing himself as one of Kansas City’s most productive hitters, his defensive future presents an interesting consideration heading into 2027 and beyond.

With much of the Royals’ lineup expected to return next season, Caglianone’s ability to play both right field and first base could provide some flexibility as Kansas City explores ways to improve its roster.

The 2026 season marked a significant turnaround for the 23-year-old, who struggled in his first taste of the Majors in 2025, battling just .157 with a .532 OPS across 62 games. This season, he led the Royals in batting average (.289), slugging percentage (.494) and OPS (.834), while finishing among the team's top three in runs (72), hits (148), home runs (23) and RBIs (75).

While he spent most of the season in right field (95 games), Caglianone found himself back at first throughout the season as injuries to primary first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino created opportunities.

Caglianone had played first base at the University of Florida and in the Minor Leagues before Kansas City moved him to the outfield. His first extended opportunity came in June, when Pasquantino underwent surgery to repair a fractured hamate bone.

Caglianone returned to first again when Pasquantino landed on the 10-day injured list with right wrist soreness on July 29. In 16 starts before Pasquantino returned on Aug. 17, Caglianone averaged .387 with a 1.148 OPS, six home runs and 20 RBIs.

In all, Caglianone appeared in 39 games (30 starts) at first base, his most extensive playing time at the position in the Majors. He slashed .291/.316/.614 with a .930 OPS across 133 plate appearances as a first baseman, compared to a .300/.350/.481 slash line and an .831 OPS in 363 plate appearances as a right fielder.

Along the way, injuries of his own complicated Caglianone’s time in the outfield, adding another layer to how the Royals could approach his defensive skillset in 2027.

On June 5, Caglianone injured his right shoulder after crashing into the outfield wall while chasing down a double against the Twins in Minnesota. Although he initially remained in the game, lingering soreness forced him out of the following day's contest.

More than a month later, on July 21, Caglianone aggravated the same shoulder while attempting a diving catch down the right-field line against the Giants. He initially waved off medical attention and finished the inning before being replaced in the sixth. He was also held out of the following day's lineup.

Then, on Sept. 5, Caglianone exited against the Blue Jays with left elbow soreness after making a 95.2 mph throw from right field. Imaging later revealed a Grade 1 flexor strain, prompting the Royals to temporarily shut him down from throwing.

Despite those setbacks, Caglianone showcased his arm strength in right field, averaging 98.7 mph on his throws and recording seven outfield assists. However, he also finished with minus-9 outs above average and two errors at the position.

Pasquantino remains the club's primary first baseman, but he could be among the position players Kansas City considers moving if a trade provides an opportunity to address its pitching needs. Such a move could open the door for Caglianone to return to first base on a more permanent basis.

For a Royals team looking to strengthen its roster this offseason, Caglianone has already established himself as an important part of the offense. His experience at first base, combined with the challenges he faced in right field, could make his defensive role one of the decisions worth revisiting heading into next season.