Royals’ Jac Caglianone Call-Up Sparks ‘Irresponsible’ Criticism Over Service Time
Sarah Johnson
June 5, 2025
Brief
Royals' top prospect Jac Caglianone called up, but ex-MLB exec slams the timing as 'irresponsible' over service time and arbitration costs.
Kansas City Royals fans were over the moon when the team called up their top prospect, Jac Caglianone, to the big leagues. But not everyone is cheering. Former MLB executive David Samson has slammed the move as the 'single-most irresponsible decision' he’s seen in ages, and frankly, he’s got a point worth pondering.
The issue isn’t Caglianone’s talent—his minor league stats are a sight to behold, boasting a .322/.389/.593 slash line with 15 homers and 56 RBIs across Double-A and Triple-A. No, Samson’s beef is with the timing. By bringing Caglianone up before the Super Two deadline, the Royals have set him on a path to hit arbitration a full year earlier than if they’d waited just a couple of weeks. For a team not swimming in payroll cash, that’s a head-scratcher.
Samson didn’t mince words, questioning how a franchise outside the top 10 in payroll could overlook such a critical date. Waiting until mid-June could’ve secured an extra year of control, saving millions in arbitration down the line. Instead, as Samson put it, this is a '$10 million decision'—and Caglianone better channel his inner Vladimir Guerrero Sr. from day one to justify it.
Unfortunately, Caglianone’s debut against the St. Louis Cardinals didn’t exactly scream ‘instant legend,’ as he went 0-for-5. Still, the Royals are banking on him adjusting quickly, especially as they aim for consecutive playoff appearances after snapping an eight-year drought last season. Their last big moment? Winning the 2015 World Series against the Mets. Here’s hoping Caglianone can help write the next chapter, even if the front office’s calendar skills are questionable.
Service time debates aren’t new in baseball, with teams often holding prospects in the minors for an extra year of control. Kansas City’s decision to buck that trend puts extra pressure on their young star to perform now. Will this gamble pay off, or will it be a costly lesson in patience? Only time—and Caglianone’s bat—will tell.
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Editor's Comments
Look, I get the Royals’ excitement over Jac Caglianone—he’s hitting like a freight train in the minors. But calling him up now? That’s like buying a Ferrari before checking if you can afford the gas. David Samson’s right to call out the service time blunder. Here’s a thought: maybe the Royals’ front office calendar is stuck on ‘World Series 2015’ mode, because they sure didn’t check the date on this one!
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