Royals slugger to participate in 2026 Home Run Derby after power-filled first half

KANSAS CITY, Mo.

(KCTV) - One of the best young power hitters in baseball is headed to Major League Baseballs power showcase.

On Wednesday, Kansas City Royals slugger Jac Caglianone announced on MLB Network that hell participate in the 2026 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby.

Caglianone, 23, has 14 home runs this season and a .455 slugging percentage during his second season in MLB.

I was approached a couple of days ago and got asked to do the Home Run Derby and I think Im going to do it this year, Caglianone said during an appearance on MLB Central.

The former first-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Florida said his dad will throw to him during the competition, which will be held Monday, July 13, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

Hes got ice in his veins, Caglianone said.

Hell put it in a good spot.

Its going to be great.

Caglianones bat has heated up as the Royals have moved into the middle of the season.

In June, the left-handed slugger had 9 home runs and 19 RBI with a .309 batting average and .647 slugging percentage.

Baseball Savants percentile rankings have Caglianone in the 96th percentile of MLB for average exit velocity, 98th percentile for hard-hit percentage and 97th percentile for bat speed.

This year, Caglianones longest home run was a 444 foot blast that reached the fountains in right center field of Kauffman Stadium.

Other participants include Yankees first baseman Ben Rice and Rays third baseman Junior Caminero.

Caglianone will be the first Royal to participate since Bobby Witt Jr.

came in second during the 2024 Derby.

Witt Jr.

and Michael Wacha will also represent the Royals during All-Star week in Philadelphia after each were named members of the AL All-Star team over the weekend.