Caglianone swaps jerseys with old friend at Spring Breakout
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- When Royals top prospect and MLB’s No. 22 prospect Jac Caglianone stepped to the plate in the seventh inning Friday night, he saw the D-backs' outfielders take a step back. Well, maybe a few steps back. Arizona pitcher Philip Abner, watching from the dugout, thought that was
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- When Royals top prospect and MLB’s No. 22 prospect Jac Caglianone stepped to the plate in the seventh inning Friday night, he saw the D-backs' outfielders take a step back. Well, maybe a few steps back.
Arizona pitcher Philip Abner, watching from the dugout, thought that was probably smart.
"Everything he hits,” Abner said, “is hard.”
Abner, Caglianone's former teammate and roommate at the University of Florida, knows this all too well. Sure enough, Caglianone did indeed hit the snot out of a fastball from D-backs prospect Daniel Eagen, a 109.6 mph rocket that headed straight for the glove of left fielder Anderdson Rojas.
Another hard-hit out on an unusually chilly night in Scottsdale, one of several for the Royals’ prospects in their 5-2 loss to the D-backs' prospects in their Spring Breakout game.
"When I hit it and didn’t see the left fielder move, that’s such a bad feeling,” Caglianone said, laughing. “But I was just trying to not do too much. Took that first hack on a curveball, then just had to reset. Hit that ball really hard. Just right where they were standing."
Caglianone went 1-for-4 and played all eight innings the Royals were in the field at first base.
After the game, Caglianone and Abner, who didn’t pitch Friday, swapped jerseys behind home plate. They were set on making it happen after finding out the D-backs would host the Royals in the second year of Spring Breakout.
Caglianone was hoping to face Abner, whom the D-backs selected in the sixth round of the 2023 Draft out of Florida, a year before Caglianone went to the Royals with the No. 6 overall pick.
"This is an important game, especially against the Royals with Jac, and it’s just fun to be a part of it even if we didn’t get to face each other,” Abner said.
"You couldn’t have drawn it up any better,” Caglianone added. “Especially with the jersey swap. It’s always nice to see Phil. We had two years together at Florida and they were super fun and memorable. It’s cool to see him again and do this."
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Caglianone did record a knock off Abner in the Arizona Fall League last year, so he still holds bragging rights over his fellow Gator.
"Good extension, good curveball,” Caglianone said of Abner. “He’s got like a cut-ride heater, so it kind of plays games with your mind when you see it come in because it looks like it’ll break, but it won’t.”
But Abner knows what he wants to do when he is able to face Caglianone again.
"In the Fall League, I blew him up with a fastball, and then he smacked another fastball,” Abner said. “Definitely next time I've got to get some breaking balls away, try to get some swing-and-miss. You can only throw Jac so many fastballs before he smacks one.”
Mozzicato’s velocity
Frank Mozzicato had to wait his turn to pitch on Friday, but it was worth the wait. The Royals’ No. 12 prospect struck out two in the final two innings, and what stood out almost as much as the two zeros he threw on the board was the velocity that was flashing up there.
Mozzicato topped out at 93.7 mph and averaged 92.4 mph. At High-A Quad Cities last year, Mozzicato was throwing 88-89 mph with his fastball, leading to some concerning underlying metrics despite the 3.45 ERA he posted over 22 starts. His strikeout rate dipped to 21.3%, while his walk rate remained high at 14.5%.
A focus this offseason on his mindset on the mound and mentality off it has Mozzicato pitching “freer” this spring, he said. And the Royals have zeroed in on Mozzicato’s delivery, trying to shorten his arm action, to lead to better command.
Time will tell if all the work Mozzicato has done in the offseason and so far this spring will pay off for the left-hander, the Royals’ first-round pick in 2021. He’ll likely be heading to Double-A to begin the season, where better hitters will challenge him. But he certainly looked the part Friday night, mowing down three batters in the seventh inning and working around a walk and a single in the eighth.
"Last year, I learned a lot about myself and really honed in on my mechanics and how I’m feeling,” Mozzicato said. “So I definitely think it’s in me. But what’s most important is getting outs at the end of the day. That’s what they pay you for."
Vazquez is ‘fast’
Daniel Vazquez, the Royals’ No. 27 prospect, was 2-for-4 with a walk and a run scored and tried to get things going for the Kansas City offense when he tripled in the sixth inning. He was ready for a 2-0 fastball and got one in the zone, smoking it the opposite way into the right-field corner.
The Royals’ second baseman was thinking double out of the box, but hit the gas when he saw the ball go down the line.
"And I am fast,” Vazquez said. “This game was pretty fun. I had a good time with my team and facing [the D-backs], who have good players. Everyone on the field was good. The competition was really good.”
The Royals were aggressive when they sent Vazquez to Single-A Columbia as an 18-year-old. Three seasons later, he looks to finally be ready for the next level. Now 21, Vazquez is bigger, stronger and faster and seems to have made improvements with his swing to be ready for High-A this year.
While Vazquez is by no means a finished product and still needs to see improvement for him to reach his ceiling, he’s hitting more line drives now, can work a walk like he did in the ninth inning Friday and create some chaos on the bases when needed.
Anne Rogers covers the Royals for MLB.com.
Arvest Ballpark to be 'Cashless' Beginning in 2025
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – In an effort to increase overall ballpark convenience and to further streamline and enhance fan experiences throughout the ballpark, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals announced today that Arvest Ballpark will be a cashless venue beginning in 2025. This will include transactions involving food and beverage, merchandise, parking, and
Royals Name Cross, Zobac 2024 Naturals of the Year
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Kansas City Royals announced the 2024 Pitcher and Player of the Year for each of their minor league affiliates on Saturday during a ceremony in Surprise, Arizona at their Spring Training complex. Outfielder Gavin Cross earned the Player of the Year Award while starting pitcher Steven
New March Hours Announced for the Naturals Team Store and the Arvest Ballpark Ticket Office
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – With Opening Day approaching, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce new hours in March for the Naturals Team Store and the Arvest Ballpark Ticket Office. Starting on March 3rd, the Naturals Team Store and the Arvest Ballpark Box Office, both located at Arvest Ballpark, will
Promo Club Memberships on Sale for the 2025 Season
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce that Promo Club memberships are now on sale for the 2025 season. Memberships are $99 and are available to all fans. Regardless of whether you attend the games or not, Promo Club members will be guaranteed access to all
Naturals, Whataburger Team Up for Field of Dreams
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to team up with Whataburger once again this season for the Field of Dreams program at Arvest Ballpark. The Field of Dreams program presented by Whataburger is one of the most popular programs at Arvest Ballpark. Whether it is for a
Naturals Hosting Fan Batting Practice at Arvest Ballpark on Saturday, March 15th (1-3pm)
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals and Whataburger are excited to offer fans the opportunity to take Batting Practice at Arvest Ballpark on Saturday, March 15th from 1pm until 3pm. Fan Batting Practice at Arvest Ballpark is available to 60 participants and is sold on a first-come, first-serve basis.
MLB Announces Royals Spring Breakout Roster
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – Major League Baseball has announced the projected rosters for the second-annual “Spring Breakout” Prospect Games and the Kansas City roster includes 10 former Naturals. The Royals prospects will face the Arizona Diamondbacks prospects on Friday, March 14th. As part of MLB Spring Training, the “Spring Breakout” Prospect
First-Ever Arvest Ballpark Classic to feature Springdale Against Rogers Heritage on Tuesday, March 11th
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are proud to announce that they will be hosting the first-ever Arvest Ballpark Classic on Tuesday, March 11th and it’ll feature a high school baseball game between the Springdale Bulldogs and the Rogers Heritage War Eagles. First pitch between the two 6A-West clubs
The Naturals and Patina Restaurant Group Hosting Second Job Fair on Wednesday, March 5th (5pm - 6:30pm)
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals, along with Delaware North’s Patina Restaurant Group, will be hosting another Job Fair from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5th at Arvest Ballpark. The two organizations will be looking for part-time, seasonal associates that will help provide top-notch customer service
Initial 2025 Promotional Schedule Announced
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce our initial promotions for the 2025 season that will continue the tradition of low-cost, family entertainment at Arvest Ballpark. More event and promotional announcements for the season will come in the very near future! The season will begin on
2025 Field Staff: Brooks Conrad New Naturals Manager
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Kansas City Royals have announced the 2025 field staffs for their minor league affiliates, naming Brooks Conrad as the new field manager of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Conrad, the eighth manager in Naturals history, is joined by newcomer Chris Corbett who joins the club as the
Single Game Tickets on Sale for 2025 Season
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce that single game tickets are now on sale to the general public. Individual tickets were put on sale online today – Monday, January 13th at 10 am CST – for all 69 home games scheduled at Arvest Ballpark during
The Batting Practice Experience: Rent the Batting Cages at Arvest Ballpark in January and February
Springdale, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce the return of our Batting Cage Experience presented by Whataburger, which will be available to fans and local teams on select days in January and February beginning on Tuesday, January 14th. The cost is $95 for an hour rental,
Strike to Deliver Valentine's Day Gifts on February 14th
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce that Strike the Sasquatch will once again be playing cupid on February 14th as you can have the Naturals' popular mascot deliver a baseball-themed gift featuring Four Home Plate Premium Tickets to Opening Day, a Parking Pass, a Chocolate
Game Day Associate Job Fair: Thursday, February 13th at Arvest Ballpark (5:15pm-7:15pm)
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals, along with Delaware North’s Patina Restaurant Group, will be hosting a Game Day Associate Job Fair on Thursday, February 13th at Arvest Ballpark. The two organizations will be looking for part-time, seasonal associates for the 2025 season. Interviews will begin at 5:15 p.m.
Stephen Crockett Named 2024 Head Groundskeeper of the Year in Texas League
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals, in conjunction with Minor League Baseball and the Texas League, are excited to announce that Stephen Crockett has been honored with the Texas League’s Head Groundskeeper of the Year Award for the 2024 season. “We are incredibly proud to congratulate Stephen Crockett on
2024 Naturals: Year for the Record Books
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The 2024 Northwest Arkansas Naturals season came to a close on September 15, the 16th season and 17th year of baseball in Springdale, Arkansas. The summer was filled with excitement, prospects, a playoff chase, numerous big league call-ups, a bounty of prospects, and fun-filled nights at Arvest
Home Game Times Announced for 2025 Season
SPRINGDALE, Ark – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are excited to announce start times for all home games at Arvest Ballpark during the 2025 season beginning with Opening Night, which will start at 7:05 p.m. as the Naturals host Frisco (Double-A Texas Rangers) on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025. A printable PDF
Four 2024 Naturals Headed to Arizona Fall League
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – Every fall Minor League Baseball’s top prospects converge on Arizona to take part in the Arizona Fall League (AFL). The 2024 Northwest Arkansas Naturals are well represented in this year’s AFL with four of the Royals’ nine participants having donned a Northwest Arkansas uniform this season. Catcher
Naturals in the Community: 2024 Season
SPRINGDALE, Ark – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are proud to continue to have a positive impact on Northwest Arkansas as over one million dollars has been raised by participating groups in the past decade through the team’s fundraising and community partners program. During the 2024 season alone, the Naturals partnered
Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Flex Packs, and Family Packs Available for 2025 Season
SPRINGDALE, Ark – The Naturals are excited to announce that Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Flex Packs, and Family Packs are now available to the public for the 2025 season of Naturals baseball. Fans can now renew their current ticket pack or become a ticket holder prior to the start of
2025 Regular Season Home Schedule Announced
SPRINGDALE, Ark – Major League Baseball today announced the Northwest Arkansas Naturals 2025 regular season home schedule. All game times will be announced at a later date. Opening Day is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8th at Arvest Ballpark against the Frisco RoughRiders (Texas Rangers). For the first time since the
Three Naturals Recognized by Royals for 2024 Season
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Kansas City Royals honored their 2024 Minor League Organizational Award winners Friday night at Kauffman Stadium, with three of the six winners donning Naturals uniforms in 2024. RHP Steven Zobac (Paul Splittorff Pitcher of the Year), Javier Vaz (Mike Sweeney Community Impact Award), and UTL Tyler
Naturals Hold Off Travs Charge in 7-6 Win Friday
SPRINGDALE, ARKANSAS -- Josh Lester's three-run homer in the first got the Naturals off on the right foot Friday night, and despite a late charge by the Arkansas Travelers (42-25, 78-57) the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (31-35, 66-69) held on for a 7-6 win at Arvest Ballpark. The Naturals and Travelers
HOMESTAND HIGHLIGHTS: September 10th - September 15th
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals will host their in-state rivals, the Arkansas Travelers (Seattle Mariners), in a six-game series at Arvest Ballpark to conclude the regular season. The final homestand features daily food and drink specials as Buck-A-Brat, Dollar Hot Dogs, and Thirsty Thursday™ highlight the first three