Gavin Cross, a top prospect in the Kansas City Royals organization, launched an impressive home run estimated at 501 feet during a Double-A game on Tuesday. The powerful swing helped his Northwest Arkansas Naturals secure a 6-4 victory over the Corpus Christi Hooks. This feat draws attention as it surpasses the longest home run in Major League Baseball this season, hit by Mike Trout.

How Cross’s Blast Compares to Mike Trout’s Longest Shot This Year

While few players can consistently hit baseballs 450 feet, reaching beyond 500 feet is extremely rare. Mike Trout, the Los Angeles Angels superstar and three-time Most Valuable Player, currently holds MLB’s longest home run this season at 484 feet. Cross’s 501-foot home run exceeds Trout’s mark, placing the young Royals outfielder in elite company despite still developing his overall hitting performance this season.

Prospect Status and Challenges Ahead for Gavin Cross

Selected ninth overall in the 2022 first round by the Royals, Cross is currently ranked 11th among the team’s prospects by MLB Pipeline. At age 24, he has struggled with consistency, posting a .616 OPS this season. Baseball analysts had anticipated that Cross would be promoted to Triple-A earlier in the year, marking a crucial milestone toward reaching the majors. His recent display of raw power signals potential but also highlights the work needed to move up baseball’s ladder.

Context on Other Long-Distance Home Runs in Baseball’s Minors

Notably, Roman Anthony, a promising rookie for the Boston Red Sox’s Triple-A affiliate Worcester Red Sox, hit a home run measuring 497 feet this season. This statistic situates Cross’s 501-foot blast among the longest by non-MLB players, underscoring an exciting level of power emerging from the minors alongside established stars like Trout.

Implications for Royals and Future Prospects of Gavin Cross

Cross’s extraordinary home run has generated hopeful buzz about his potential impact for the Royals, who already have power hitter Jac Caglianone at the major league level. His ability to hit towering home runs could be a key asset if he can improve the consistency of his offensive game. With a few weeks left in the season, Cross has the opportunity to demonstrate further power and earn a promotion to Triple-A, thereby advancing his journey toward the major leagues.

“Hitting a baseball 450 feet is a gift possessed only by a select few players. When you get to 500 feet, you’re approaching rare air.” —Jackson Roberts, Sports Writer
“The Kansas City Royals have one player at the major league level who can probably do it under the right conditions – rookie right fielder Jac Caglianone. But they also have a farmhand who proved he can do it on Tuesday.” —Jackson Roberts, Sports Writer
“MLB Pipeline’s experts estimated that Cross would earn a promotion to Triple-A before the season began, so doing so would be an important marker of progress on his road to the majors.” —Jackson Roberts, Sports Writer