In 2019, Texas Rangers outfielder Nomar Mazara launched a 505-foot home run, setting the record for longest record blast in the Statcast era. But he might have company in the next few years if 2024 MLB Draft prospect Jac Caglianone makes his way to the majors.
A junior at the University of Florida, Caglianone hit one of the most impressive homers you’ll see on Tuesday, ripping a ball over the scoreboard at Condron Family Ballpark that was projected to have gone 516 feet.
Projected to go second overall in this summer’s amateur draft by Baseball America, Caglianone has established himself as one of the most unique players in college baseball.
The 21-year-old is a two-way standout for the Gators, playing first base and serving as a starting pitcher.
Caglianone entered Tuesday’s game against Jacksonville University with 20 home runs and a 1.319 OPS in 35 games. He has also walked 20 times compared to just 14 strikeouts.
Standing six-foot-five, Caglianone has touched triple-digits with his fastball, emerging as a potential two-way threat at the next level. This season on the mound, he’s delivered 39.1 innings of 3.89 ERA ball with 49 strikeouts.
After combining with Texas Rangers rookie Wyatt Langford a season ago to lead Florida to the top of the SEC standings and the College World Series finals, Caglianone and the Gators have gone just 7-8 in conference play and 18-17 overall. They are currently in a battle to earn a playoff spot.
Nonetheless, if Tuesday’s game is any indication — the Gators were up 12-1 on Jacksonville after five innings — Caglianone hitting moonshots is a good place to start on their way back into contention this spring.
