Jac Caglianone entered the 2025 season with high expectations after being selected sixth overall in the 2024 draft, but the rookie campaign turned into a rough introduction to the majors. He posted a -1.6 WAR, ranking among the worst rookie seasons in MLB history, and struggled with both batting average and durability.
A Rocky Start
The poor WAR figure reflected a combination of low offensive production and frequent injuries that limited his playing time. While his minor‑league track record featured a .707 slugging percentage, the jump to the big leagues exposed gaps in plate discipline and consistency.
A Power Surge in 2026
Spring training brought a revelation when Caglianone launched a 120.2‑mph double, becoming only the eighth player ever to reach an exit velocity of 120 mph. The 2026 season has since been marked by a 123 wRC+, 22 home runs and a 2.1 WAR, with a 54.6% hard‑hit rate and an EV50 of 105.6 mph that place him in the top 10 of the majors.
Mastering the Breaking Ball
His contact rate climbed from 25.9% in 2025 to 31.2% this year, even as his strikeout rate remains high at 26.2%. Early contact on breaking pitches dropped from 57% to 45%, indicating better timing against sliders and curveballs. This improvement helped him become the top slider slugger in 2026, generating a 5.5‑run value per 100 sliders.
Recognition Beyond the Stats
The slugger’s surge earned him an invitation to the Home Run Derby despite not being an All‑Star, and his August performance produced a 191 wRC+, ranking among the top 30 individual player months of the year. These highlights underscore a career trajectory that has moved from a dismal debut to a player with elite power and growing adaptability.
Looking ahead, Caglianone’s blend of raw power, improving contact skills and resilience suggests he could become a cornerstone of his team’s lineup, provided he continues to refine his plate discipline and stay healthy.