The Kansas City Royals have been in the active market for an impact bat, preferably in the outfield.
After acquiring outfielder Isaac Collins from the Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City remained active, making calls on Boston Red Sox superstar Jarren Duran.
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Duran is one of the most valuable players in the MLB, as his 8.7 WAR in 2024 was fifth best in the MLB.
However, Boston’s asking price for Duran is quite steep, as they would want ace pitcher Cole Ragans in return. With the addition of Collins, Kansas City is unlikely to trade for Duran.
Fans are now concerned with the offensive star power in Kansas City’s lineup without Duran, but what if I told you they had two in house solutions?
Enter in Jac Caglianone and Carter Jensen.
Kansas City Royals Outfielder Jac Caglianone (14) |  © Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Caglianone made a name for himself at the University of Florida where he was a two-way player for the Gators. The slugger had a legendary career in college, crushing 75 homers, driving in 189 RBI’s and having an OPS of 1.207 over 165 collegiate games.
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Caglianone’s elite hitting tools got him drafted number six overall in the 2024 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals.
The slugger was one of the most prolific hitters in the minor leagues last season with a ridiculous .924 OPS over 94 games, further cementing his elite hitting upside.
Caglianone’s ridiculous start to his 2025 minor league season promoted Kansas City to him up earlier than expected.
The top prospect made his MLB debut on June 3, 2025, where he served as the designated hitter, going 0-for-5.
Although Caglianone’s debut didn’t go as planned, he would display his raw power than made him such an intriguing prospect in the following games.
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Caglianone would go on to hit seven home runs 62 games played, with one of them being a top five swing of the season:
Caglianone will dazzle in 2026 with increased opportunities, but so will rookie catcher Carter Jensen.
Jensen (22) is Kansas City’s number one overall prospect in their farm system, and rightfully so.
The young catcher made his MLB debut on September 2, 2025 where he immediately dazzled.
In only 60 plate appearances, Jensen had a phenomenal .941 OPS and a 161 OPS+, showing every indication that he is already an excellent bat in this league.
Jensen has a great shot at taking over at catcher once longtime Royal Salvador Perez retires. However, with Jensen’s strong 2025 campaign, Kansas City should give him a multitude of opportunities in 2026.
Kansas City Royals Catcher Carter Jensen (22) | © Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
With the emergence of Jensen and slow rise of Caglianone, I fully expect Kansas City to get increased offensive production, even without trading for a guy like Duran.