Former Miami Marlins president David Samson has publicly criticized the Kansas City Royals for their decision to call up top prospect Jac Caglianone, calling it ‘the single-most irresponsible move I’ve seen in quite a long time.’ The controversial move, which brought Caglianone up to the majors before the Super Two deadline, has sparked a debate about the impact of service time rules on player development and financial value.
Samson argued that the decision risks Caglianone’s long-term earning potential by forcing him into an arbitration situation a year earlier than he would have been if he remained in the minors. ‘If he’s going to be that good, how do you call him up now where he will hit arbitration a full year earlier than if they waited until after around June 17?’ Samson questioned. He emphasized that the Royals’ decision may pressure Caglianone to perform immediately, potentially compromising his growth and development as a player.
Caglianone, who spent the past season in the minors with a .322/.389/.593 slash line, 15 homers, and 56 RBIs between Double-A and Triple-A, was called up to the majors in a bid to accelerate his MLB debut. However, his major league debut was not a success, as he went 0-for-5 against the St. Louis Cardinals. Despite this, the Royals remain optimistic about his potential, as they aim to build on their 2022 breakthrough, when they secured a wild-card berth for the first time in eight years.
The move has raised questions about the Royals’ strategy for the 2023 season, as they continue to compete for a playoff berth. While some analysts believe the decision could have financial implications for both the player and the team, others argue that the opportunity to develop a high-value prospect could outweigh these risks. Regardless of the outcome, the situation is a significant moment in the ongoing debate over service time rules and their impact on player development in Major League Baseball.