Patrick Mahomes Is Hyped About Jac Caglianone in the Home Run Derby. So Is Everyone in Kansas City.

The 2026 Home Run Derby field is starting to take shape, and it includes a name that has Royals fans — and at least one very famous Chiefs fan — buzzing.

Jac Caglianone, the Royals’ rookie slugger, confirmed he’ll participate in the event next week in Philadelphia. The left-handed hitter made the announcement on social media, and within minutes, Patrick Mahomes posted his reaction.

“Let’s goo!!! 💣💣”

Mahomes is a known Royals diehard, so this tracks. He’s been at games, he’s worn the gear, and he’s clearly locked in on what Caglianone could do in a home run competition.

The Home Run Derby itself is shifting formats this year, moving back to an older structure with some minor tweaks. Three participants are officially in so far — technically four depending on how you count it. Junior Caminero of the Rays is the headliner for now, a guy who crushes the ball as consistently as anyone. Yankees first baseman Ben Rice is also in. But the biggest potential draw? Kyle Schwarber. If he gets added, all eyes will be on him in his home ballpark in Philly. The only thing standing in the way is whether he makes the All-Star Game roster. And Bryce Harper, who’s back in the All-Star Game, could join too.

Caglianone isn’t the biggest name in the field yet, but he’s been heating up. He started the season slow, no question. Through 299 at-bats, he’s got 14 homers, 13 doubles, two triples, 33 RBIs, a .258 average and a .777 OPS. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers for a slugger. But June was a different story. He launched nine home runs that month alone with a 1.036 OPS. July has been quiet so far — no homers yet — but the pop is clearly there.

The Royals have a bigger problem

Kansas City’s lineup on paper is dangerous. Caglianone, Bobby Witt Jr., Maikel Garcia, Vinnie Pasquantino — that’s a deep group. The issue is injuries and inconsistency. The Royals are 38-54, dead last in the AL Central. The season is slipping away, and they could end up as sellers at the trade deadline pretty soon.

One thing that won’t happen? Trading Caglianone. He’s not going anywhere. He’s part of the core the Royals are building around, even if this season has gone sideways. The Derby is a nice bright spot in a rough year, and Mahomes is clearly here for it.