​It’s exactly what it sounds like—nothing more, nothing less. While Jac Caglianone isn’t currently an All-Star, there remains a remote possibility that he could be slotted in as an injury or opt-out replacement before the event, but for now he will still take part in the Home Run Derby. Caglianone is tied for 19th in the American League with 14 home runs, and as highlighted in the accompanying clip, he also shares the year’s longest average home run distance among players with at least 10 blasts. The Royals supplied a stream of homer-related trivia for Jac in their morning press release, underscoring his latest achievements and historical context for the franchise.
At 23, Caglianone will be the sixth Royal to compete in the Home Run Derby. The Royals’ Derby participants before him were Bo Jackson in 1989, Danny Tartabull in 1991, Mike Moustakas in 2017, Salvador Perez in 2021, and Bobby Witt Jr. in 2024. Although no Royals player has won the Derby yet, Witt Jr. was the runner-up in 2024, finishing with a total of 50 homers, including 13 in the final round, just one shy of Teoscar Hernández’s 14. Notably, Witt Jr. also posted a streak of six homers over five games from June 18 to June 23, which included a two-homer game on June 21 against St. Louis and another two-homer game on June 23 at Tampa Bay.
Among American League hitters 23 or younger, Caglianone’s 14 home runs place him in a tie for third, behind only Junior Caminero with 26 and Nick Kurtz with 20. Caglianone previously showcased his power in the 2024 Arizona Fall League Home Run Derby, adding to his profile as a rising slugger. His collegiate career at the University of Florida saw him set the school single-season home run record with 35 and the career record with 75. He also homered in nine consecutive games from April 6 to April 19, 2024, matching the NCAA Division I record for consecutive games with a homer.
Since the start of June, only Junior Caminero, Nick Kurtz, and Kody Clemens have hit more home runs in the American League. In this Derby field, Caglianone stands alongside the Yankees’ Ben Rice and the Rays’ Caminero, with the identities of the other five competitors still to be announced. There is buzz around potential participants such as Kyle Schwarber, who has indicated a willingness to join if his back cooperates, though that decision remains pending.
If Jac could become the first Royals player to win the Home Run Derby, he would receive the coveted Home Run Derby Victory Chain—a trophy and honor that would symbolize a historic moment for Kansas City baseball and its fanbase. The prospect of a trophy, plus the memorabilia and the symbolism of a replica chain next season, adds another layer of excitement for Royals supporters hoping to see him triumph in the Derby.
As we look ahead, anticipation builds for Monday night’s Netflix-televised showdown. The event is slated to begin at 8:00 PM Eastern Time, 7:00 PM Central, and fans are eager to tune in. For Royals fans and home run enthusiasts alike, this Derby promises to deliver high-stakes power displays, dramatic dingers, and memorable moments from a field loaded with young, ambitious sluggers. Whether you’re watching Jac’s every swing or following the broader Derby narrative, it’s an event that blends competitive spirit with the celebration of power hitting in modern baseball.