Jac Caglianone’s rise from Florida Gators superstar to Kansas City Royals slugger has been one of baseball’s most compelling storylines.
After rewriting the record books with the Gators as one of the nation’s top two-way players, Caglianone has quickly brought that same power and promise to the majors.
Now, as the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby approaches, the former Florida standout is once again in the spotlight, giving fans another chance to watch one of baseball’s most exciting young hitters on a national stage.
Jac Caglianone 2026 Royals stats
Entering July 8, Caglianone has .270 batting average, 67 hits, 12 home runs, 27 RBIs, and 35 runs scored in the 73 games this season for the Kansas City Royals. Drafted sixth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, Caglianone signed a $7,497,400 rookie deal, but is making less than $1 million a season in 2025 and 2026.
Jac Caglianone Florida stats
The former Gator was a standout player for Florida. Though he played half the games during his freshman year after an elbow injury, that didn’t stop his impact on the team, securing the starting role his second year.
Awards and accomplishments at Florida
Career Stats
How to watch 2026 Home Run Derby
You can watch 2026 MLB Home Run Derby live exclusively on Netflix on July 13. The Debry will start at 8 p.m. ET, with pre-game coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET. The Derby will be held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
Home Run Derby format
This year’s derby will be a bit different. Rather than racing against the clock, the eight players will get a set number of swings. Players will get 20 swings for Round 1, while the semifinals and finals have 15 swings each. If there are ties, they can be broken by the longest home run distance in Round 1 and by three-swings in later rounds.
Home Run Derby winners
How to watch 2026 MLB All-Star Game
The MLB All-Star Game will be at 8 p.m. ET July 14. The game will be nationally televised on Fox.
Watch the MLB All-Star Game on Fubo (free trial)
Which Tampa Bay Rays made the Home Run Derby
There haven’t been many players announced in the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby but one of the players in another Florida representative. Junior Caminero, of the Tampa Bay Rays, has been announced as one of the players for the 2026. This is the second time Tampa Bay has had a representative in the Derby. Caminero also represented the Rays last year and was runner-up.
Which Miami Marlins made the Home Run Derby
In 2016, Giancarlo Stanton represented the Miami Marlins and won 61 home runs. He was the first and only Marlin to represent the team that season.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Jac Caglianone, ex-Florida Gators star, added to MLB Home Run Derby
Reporting by Samantha Guillotte, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Samantha Guillotte, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
