Royals Evaluate Caglianone Defensive Role for 2027
Kansas City considers shifting Jac Caglianone to first base after an injury-plagued season in right field.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Baseball
Live Poll
Do you prefer professional athletes to specialize in one position or play multiple positions?
After leading the Kansas City Royals with a .289 batting average and .834 OPS in 2026, Jac Caglianone is being evaluated for a potential permanent move to first base. The decision follows a season defined by defensive challenges and recurring shoulder and elbow injuries.
Why it matters
Caglianone split time between right field and first base throughout 2026, but injuries sustained while playing the outfield have prompted the organization to rethink his defensive future. A full-time transition to first base could preserve his health while maintaining his offensive production.
Caglianone logged 23 home runs and 75 RBIs in 2026, though his defensive performance in right field included minus-9 outs above average. He played 95 games in the outfield and 39 at first base.
The players
Jac Caglianone
He is a versatile player for the Kansas City Royals who primarily played right field and first base during the 2026 season.
Vinnie Pasquantino
He serves as the primary first baseman for the Kansas City Royals and missed time during the 2026 season due to injury.
The details
Caglianone filled in at first base when Vinnie Pasquantino was sidelined by injury, a shift that provided stability to the infield. However, sustained issues with his shoulder and a diagnosed Grade 1 flexor strain on September 5 highlight the physical toll he experienced while playing right field.
Timeline
Caglianone struggled during his first MLB season in 2025.
He sustained a right shoulder injury against the Twins on June 5, 2026.
The shoulder injury was aggravated on July 21, 2026.
Caglianone exited a game with a left elbow strain on September 5, 2026.
The Royals will determine his defensive position during the 2027 season.
Season Trajectory
The potential move marks a pivot in team strategy following the Royals' 2026 roster adjustments. This transition aims to improve defensive metrics and player longevity relative to the patterns observed during the 2026 season.
A permanent shift to first base would remove Caglianone from outfield rotation depth for fantasy rosters and impact defensive efficiency stats. His availability remains a key factor in the team's ability to maintain a consistent lineup for the 2027 season.
The takeaway
The Royals must balance Caglianone's offensive value against the defensive liability he showed in the outfield last season. Prioritizing his health at first base may be the most viable path to securing his long-term production.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, visit the Kansas City Baseball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MLB.
Live Poll
Do you prefer professional athletes to specialize in one position or play multiple positions?
