The Wait Continues: Anthony and Caglianone, Promises at the Doorstep of MLB
The fans clamor, the expectation grows, but the promotion of Roman Anthony and Jac Caglianone to the Major Leagues remains in suspense. In Boston, where the Red Sox are struggling to find their way, the fans clamor for the arrival of Anthony, considered one of the best prospects in baseball. Meanwhile, in Kansas City, the need for offense drives the clamor for Caglianone, the hitter with the most power in the minor leagues.
Why doesn’t Anthony patrol the Fenway Park gardens? Why doesn’t Caglianone lead the Royals’ offense? The answer lies in the caution of the executives, who understand that a rookie’s success in MLB is not guaranteed and that a mistake could affect the franchise’s future.
The Red Sox have experienced firsthand the challenges of relying on a rookie. Alongside Anthony, Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell formed a trio of highly-regarded prospects. Campbell, after a month of stellar play, has underperformed, illustrating the inherent uncertainty in player development.
Both Breslow and Royals general manager J.J. Picollo are controlling the timing of Anthony and Caglianone’s debuts. Despite their impressive performance in the minor leagues, both players are still awaiting their opportunity.It’s difficult to predict a player’s immediate success. Long-term bets are made, trusting that those with the talent of Kristian, Marcelo, and Roman, will become productive players in the majors. But, will it happen in the first week, month, or season? We don’t know.
Craig Breslow, Red Sox Director of Baseball
The plan for Caglianone was clear: start in Double-A, focus on hitting and first base, and then move up to Triple-A to prepare for the majors. The need to reinforce Kansas City’s outfield is evident, especially after a 2024 season where the offense didn’t measure up.
Caglianone has shown his worth with impressive power. His performance has strengthened his candidacy to reach Kansas City, but Picollo prefers that the young slugger gain experience in the minors.The decision to keep Caglianone in the minors is based on his tendency to swing at pitches outside the strike zone. Although he has improved in this aspect, the Royals prefer that he perfect his game before being promoted. In Triple-A, Caglianone is learning to adapt to the game plans of more experienced pitchers.The most difficult thing is to do what’s best for the player. We want him to be as prepared as possible when he reaches the majors. It’s not fair to any player, whether it’s Jac Caglianone or anyone else, that a team with offensive problems puts all its hope in him.
J.J. Picollo, Royals General Manager
For most, Caglianone is improving. His talent and skills with the bat are undeniable, but the Royals want him to address his weaknesses before his promotion. Time will tell if the decision is correct, but Picollo is confident that Caglianone will be ready to succeed in Kansas City.
In the case of Roman Anthony, the plan is similar. The young outfielder has shown great potential, but the Red Sox prefer to be cautious. The Red Sox’s offense already has established players, which makes it difficult for Anthony to enter the starting lineup.
The decision to keep Anthony in the minors is based on several factors, including his tendency to hit the ball on the ground. Although his batting average is high, the Red Sox want him to improve in this aspect. In addition, Boston’s offense already has high-level players, which reduces opportunities for Anthony.We have to be willing to react and adapt to all variables. Things change. Players get injured. The lineup isn’t always as we imagine it on opening day. We try to balance all of this.
Craig Breslow, Red Sox Baseball Director
The “Super 2” season is approaching. First-year players who reach the majors enter this group, with the possibility of obtaining an additional year of arbitration. However, both Picollo and Breslow assure that service time does not influence their decisions regarding Caglianone and Anthony. Both teams have shown that they are not afraid to give opportunities to young prospects, and keeping Caglianone and Anthony in the minors has prevented them from obtaining an additional draft pick.
The public eagerly awaits the debut of Caglianone and Anthony. The fans focus on moments of glory, spectacular hits, and the speed with which the ball leaves the bat.The future of baseball is on its way, awaiting the opportune moment. Although no one knows for sure when that moment will be, Royals and Red Sox fans are already eagerly awaiting them. Caglianone and Anthony are an inevitability, ready to reward the patience of their followers.
