Since debuting in Major League Baseball in 2022, Bobby Witt Jr. has rapidly become a key figure for the Kansas City Royals. His performances have solidified his reputation as a team leader and consistent contributor, especially as the Royals strive to secure a postseason spot. When Witt Jr. has been sidelined, Maikel Garcia has stepped in effectively, showcasing versatility by filling in at shortstop despite typically playing third base.
Maikel Garcia’s Versatility and Impact on the Royals’ Lineup
Garcia has proven to be a valuable asset beyond his primary position at third base, capable of adapting to multiple infield roles. Royals manager Matt Quatraro lauded Garcia’s consistent offensive and defensive contributions during a recent appearance on MLB Network Radio. Quatraro highlighted Garcia’s mobility across the field, batting order flexibility, and steady performance at the plate, making him a dependable player when Witt Jr. is unavailable.
“Maikel [Garcia] has been phenomenal for us all year. At the beginning, we were moving him around, second, third, center, leading him off, hitting him the middle. Offensively he’s been really consistent.”
—Matt Quatraro, Royals Manager
“Defensively, now that he’s at third, we know he’s a good third baseman. He’s filled in at short the couple days that Bobby [Witt Jr.] hasn’t played, and he’s been very good there. Stolen base numbers are getting better as the year goes on, he’s a really good player, we all know that,”
—Matt Quatraro, Royals Manager
Coming from a baseball family, Maikel Garcia shares strong ties to the sport through his cousins, including Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr. and veteran infielder Alcides Escobar, further underscoring the talent within his lineage.
All-Star Honors Celebrate Royals’ Rising Talent
Both Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia earned selections to the 2025 MLB All-Star Game following outstanding first halves of their seasons. Witt Jr. recorded a .290 batting average with 17 home runs and 67 RBIs, while Garcia posted a .300 average, 11 home runs, and 55 RBIs. They joined pitchers Kris Bubic and Carlos Estevez as representatives of the Royals at the Midsummer Classic held at Truist Park in July.
While this marked Witt Jr.’s second consecutive All-Star bid, Garcia experienced his first selection to baseball’s premier midseason event, signaling his rising prominence within the league. As the season’s stretch run approaches, both are expected to maintain leadership roles and strong performances to enhance the Royals’ playoff prospects.