​Yesterday, Royals first baseman/outfielder Jac Caglianone announced that he will take part in the Home Run Derby next week. He is one of the game’s most exciting young sluggers, and his powerful left-handed swing will bring him to Citizen Bank Park for the event. Caglianone confirmed on Wednesday that he has decided to participate in Monday’s T-Mobile Home Run Derby in Philadelphia, which will be broadcast live on Netflix. This will be his first Derby, and he will be the Royals’ first participant since Bobby Witt Jr. belted 50 homers and finished as the Derby runner-up in Texas in 2024. Witt also earned a starting spot as the American League shortstop for this year’s All-Star Game and will be in Philadelphia to support Caglianone, while right-hander Michael Wacha will accompany Witt. Caglianone will have his father, Jeff, throw to him, and Jeff has told his son that his arm is ready to go.
The Royals were undone in the eighth inning last night, losing 6-2 in Queens after Alex Lange could not secure the final out of the frame. “It was a totally different game from yesterday, and the pitching was dominating,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. Bobby Witt Jr. was highlighted as the Royals’ best draft pick in the past decade. Seven years after he went second overall to Kansas City, Witt has become the franchise’s undeniable face and is likely to remain so for a long time, especially after signing an 11-year, $288.8 million contract extension in February 2024 (which could stretch to 14 years with options). Despite early inconsistency, the shortstop has developed into one of baseball’s premier five-tool talents, particularly notable for his power and speed, with exit velocities and sprint speeds ranking among the league’s best. He is expected to remain a major factor in the AL MVP conversation for years to come.
In other Royals news, the club has relocated its draft room. Here are the latest Royals transactions and injury updates. Some analysts weigh in on whether Tyler Tolbert’s historic MLB moment should lead to more opportunities for him. Noah Cameron’s curveball is impressive, but he needs to add another pitch to consistently get hitters out. Pete Crow-Armstrong has been extraordinarily hot at the plate, while Dylan Cease was three outs away from a no-hitter yesterday. The Miami Marlins are currently the hottest team in baseball, and Mike Trout has returned from the IL and promptly homered.Justin Verlander, selected for the All-Star team through a legends pick, will retire after this season. Today’s tune of the day is Home Sweet Home by Motley Crue for SEO purposes.