GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – Cheers and applause erupted Sunday evening as Jac Caglianone’s name was called early during the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft.

The two-way star hugged his family and friends after the Kansas City Royals selected him with the sixth overall pick of the first round.

Caglianone, a first baseman and left-handed pitcher, hit .419 with 35 homers and 72 RBIs for the Gators this year while going 5-2 with a 4.76 ERA in 16 starts, striking out 83 and walking 50 in 73 2/3 innings.

Caglianone’s selection ties him as the fourth-highest player taken in team history.

According to Floridagators.com, the University of Florida has now had a first-round selection in each of the last-three seasons.

Story produced with contribution from the Associated Press. 

Florida’s Jac Caglianone during an NCAA regional baseball game Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Stillwater, OK. Courtesy: AP Photo/Garett Fisbeck
Florida first baseman Jac Caglianone (14) bats during an NCAA College World Series baseball elimination game against Kentucky on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in Omaha, NE. Courtesy: AP Photo/Mike Buscher
Florida first baseman Jac Caglianone (14) at bat during the NCAA College World Series baseball elimination game against Kentucky on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in Omaha, Neb. Courtesy: AP Photo/Mike Buscher