Jac Caglianone call-up will have Reds fans second-guessing Chase Burns pick

The Cincinnati Reds selected Chase Burns with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. After seeing Kansas City Royals prospect Jac Caglianone slug his way to the big leagues barely two months into the 2025 season, Reds fans are bound to question Cincinnati's decision making.

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Royals are expected to call up their top prospect ahead of the team's upcoming series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Caglianone was the sixth pick in the 2024 MLB Draft and has proven, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he already belongs in The Show.

Caglianone appeared in just 29 games last season at High-A Quad Cities and hit .241/.302/.388. This season, however, in just 49 minor league games split between Double-A and Triple-A, he's hitting a combined .323/.391/.600 with 15 home runs and 56 RBI. The Reds could certainly use that type of production in the middle of their lineup.

Jac Caglianone call-up will have Reds fans second-guessing Chase Burns pick

Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazanna went No. 1 to the Cleveland Guardians in last year's draft. The Reds then had a choice between Caglianone, Burns, and University of Georgia slugger Charlie Condon. Most Reds fans recoiled when Cincinnati selected Burns over Condon, but after seeing Caglinone's breakout, perhaps both the the front office and the fanbase had this one wrong.

Burns is no slouch, and his dominance in the minor leagues may well result in a midseason call-up as well. Nevertheless, Cincinnati's pitching has been solid, while their offense has been underwhelming to say the least. The Reds have been shutout nine times already in 2025 — that's tied with the Pittsburgh Pirates for the most in Major League Baseball this season.

The knock on Caglianone during the draft process was his defense. Every scout knew that the former Florida Gator could hit, but most viewed Caglianone as a first baseman/ designated hitter. This season, however, he's shown some defensive versatility, and has even started 13 games in the outfield. You know that outfield power-bat Reds fans are constantly clamoring for? Caglinone could've been it.

Cincinnati will have the opportunity to right a wrong during next month's draft. With so many talented pitchers already on the Reds roster and in the farm system, it's time for Cincinnati to find a capable slugger like Caglianone to fast-track to the big leagues.

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