Florida two-way star signs with Kansas City Royals for $7.5 million

Jac Caglianone, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft by the Kansas City Royals, signed with his new team for $7.5 million according to a team announcement.

Caglianone secured a payday slightly above the slot value of $7.21 million.

The former Florida Gators star is expected to serve as a hitting prospect for the Royals, despite his status as a two-way player while in Gainesville. Most believe Caglianone’s upside resides in his prodigious home run power, especially after he blasted 35 home runs as a junior last year – second only to Georgia slugger Charlie Condon in all of college baseball.

While Caglianone runs his fastball up into the high 90’s, lack of control limits his upside on the mound. With the risk of injury – and now a substantial investment by the team – it makes sense for the Royals to allow the first baseman to focus on improving his bat to ball skills so he can provide more than just home run power at the next level.

Calianone was one of nine SEC players picked in the first round of the MLB draft, a banner day for the conference highlighted by Condon, Arkansas left-hander Hagen Smith, and Caglianone.