At a Glance: Jac Caglianone is one of baseball's most exciting young power hitters, selected sixth overall by the Kansas City Royals in the 2024 MLB Draft. The former Florida star set the program's single-season home run record with 35 homers and earned the John Olerud Award as the nation's top two-way player. Now competing at the highest level, Caglianone trusts BRUCE BOLT batting gloves to provide the durability and comfort he needs, going from replacing 30 to 40 pairs per season to just 5 to 10.
Caglianone hit the ball harder than almost anyone in baseball from his first day in the big leagues. In 2026, he found a more consistent approach at the plate, and his batting average climbed with it.
From Gainesville to Kansas City
Jac Caglianone's path to becoming one of baseball's top power hitters started on the mound. Coming out of H.B. Plant High School in Tampa, he was viewed primarily as a pitching prospect. Tommy John surgery on his left elbow changed the direction of his career, but it also opened the door for him to develop into the elite left-handed hitter and first baseman that scouts would later recognize.
Rewriting the Record Book at Florida
At the University of Florida, Caglianone quickly proved his bat could be as impactful as his arm. During his sophomore season, he launched 33 home runs and established himself as one of the most dangerous power hitters in college baseball. His junior season was even more impressive, as he hit a .419 batting average with 35 home runs in 66 games, earned recognition as a Golden Spikes Award finalist, and set a single-season program record for home runs. His 35th homer also moved him past Matt LaPorta for the college baseball team's career home run record, cementing his place among Florida's best.
From Sixth Overall to the Big Leagues
The Kansas City Royals selected Caglianone sixth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, recognizing the power that made him one of baseball's top prospects. He moved quickly through the minor league system and made his MLB debut on June 3, 2025, at age 22. Five days later, he recorded a four-hit game against the Chicago White Sox, showing the impact he could make at the highest level.
The 2026 Breakout, by the Numbers
A Swing Decision, Not a Swing Change
Caglianone's raw power was evident from his first day in the big leagues. In his first stretch of plate appearances, he posted a 12 percent barrel rate, and among hitters with 150 or more batted ball events, only nine recorded a higher average exit velocity on fly balls. Major League Baseball pitchers adjusted by attacking the edges of the zone, forcing tougher decisions at the plate. Last season, that meant a higher chase rate, an increased strikeout rate, and a launch angle that kept too much of his contact on the ground.
Caglianone's adjustment came through improved plate discipline, not a change to his bat speed. Starting in spring training, the former Gator lowered his chase rate by roughly five percentage points, which cut his strikeout rate, lifted his walk rate, and gave him more pitches to drive. Refining that approach unlocked more of the power that made him one of baseball's most exciting young hitters.
What the Numbers Look Like Now
Caglianone's improved approach translated into elite offensive production. His barrel rate climbed to 13.1 percent, his average exit velocity reached 93.2 mph, and his hard-hit rate rose to 54.4 percent. His .289/.340/.494 slash line included 23 home runs, 75 RBI, seven stolen bases, and 72 runs across more than 600 plate appearances. The power was always there, but improving his chase rate allowed more of that elite contact to translate into results.
That production also earned Caglianone a Home Run Derby invitation in July, making him the first former Gator to participate in the event since Pete Alonso, with his father Jeff pitching to him during the competition. He joined a field featuring some of baseball's biggest names, including Ben Rice, Bryce Harper, and Munetaka Murakami.
That kind of jump comes from repetition, preparation, and a setup a hitter never has to think about.
What Caglianone Wants in a Batting Glove
When asked what matters most in a pair of batting gloves, Caglianone's answer came down to two things: durability and comfort.
"The most important thing to me is durability and comfortability when holding the bat. They need to be comfortable and withstand the demands of an MLB season."
For Caglianone, batting gloves are not just about one swing or one at-bat. They are about having equipment that can hold up through the demands of an entire season.
"Bruce Bolts are the most comfortable batting gloves I have ever worn. The combination of durability and comfortability allow me to perform my best and will withstand the demands of being a professional athlete."
The Number That Makes the Case
Before BRUCE BOLT, Caglianone wore Franklin Chrome Series batting gloves. Over the course of a 150-game season, the difference became clear.
"By the end of the season my hands would be killing me and I would have already gone through 30-40 pairs of batting gloves. With Bruce Bolt my hands do not hurt at the end of the season and I only go through 5-10 pairs."
Going from 30 to 40 pairs per season down to just 5 to 10 meant fewer replacements and more consistency through the grind of an MLB schedule.
"I feel like I would have to replace them once a week," he said of his old pair. "I feel like I could use one pair of Bruce Bolts for the entire year and not replace them, but I typically replace them once a month or so."
When asked about the shortcomings he experienced with other batting gloves, Caglianone described the problems that impacted him during a full season.
"Durability and they weren't as comfortable. They would rip easily and would make my hands hurt by the end of the season."
The leather is what allows Caglianone to trust his gloves across a full schedule.
"The quality of the product and leather protect my hands over the course of 150 games."
Arm Sleeves and Protective Gear
Caglianone's setup goes beyond batting gloves. When it comes to an arm sleeve, he looks for a combination of performance and style.
"I value compression and also something that looks cool. Bruce Bolt arm sleeves check both boxes for me. They give me compression but the colors and style also look cool with my uniform."
At the plate he wears a hand guard, and a shin guard when a foul ball calls for one. His standard there is clear.
"This one is easy, PROTECTION and swag. They check both boxes for me. They keep me safe when I get hit and also look cool with my uniform and batting gloves."
For a right fielder with a 95.3 mph arm, sprint speed that can turn into a stolen base, and the ability to step in as a designated hitter, having gear that stays comfortable and secure throughout the game matters.
What He Tells Younger Hitters
At 23 years old with two big league seasons under his belt, Caglianone's advice to younger players building their setup is simple:
"Find something that is comfortable and durable that also looks cool and can hold up without ripping easily."
For Caglianone, style matters, but it comes after finding equipment that performs when it matters most.
"The combination of comfortability, durability, and aesthetics of the brand and products are unmatched. You're getting something that looks cool but is also built to last and will keep you healthy to perform your very best."
Gear Up Like Caglianone
Caglianone has found the consistency he needs with BRUCE BOLT batting gloves, relying on the same comfort, durability, and performance that helped him transition from his college baseball team in Gainesville to the Home Run Derby stage.
Explore BRUCE BOLT batting gloves, arm sleeves, and protective gear built for players who want equipment that performs at every level of the game.
