‘Can’t explain it’: How Maikel Garcia restored his faith by making 1st All-Star Game
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- Maikel Garcia earned his first All-Star selection as an injury replacement.
- Garcia posted a .305 average with 103 hits and 18 steals through mid-2025.
- His turnaround followed swing adjustments after a difficult 2024 season.
Maikel Garcia was at a loss for words.
Last Sunday, the Kansas City Royals third baseman expected his name to be called as a potential American League All-Star reserve. He had the support of his Royals teammates and public discourse on his side.
That was for a good reason. Garcia carried the Royals offensively during the first half of the 2025 season. Entering Friday’s action, he owned a .305 batting average, 103 hits, eight home runs, 40 RBIs and 18 stolen bases.
By all accounts, Garcia was having a career year. So, his reaction to not hearing his name called Wednesday — when the AL starters were selected — or Sunday was justifiable.
It was totally disappointing.
“I lost my faith on Wednesday after they selected other guys,” Garcia said. “So I thought I don’t have the chance to be in there.”
Then, Garcia got an unexpected call from Royals manager Matt Quatraro.
“I was at home and then Q called me,” Garcia said. “I was like, ‘Why is Q calling?’”
Quatraro had some news to deliver. Garcia was named to the AL All-Star team as an injury replacement. He’ll join teammates Bobby Witt Jr., Kris Bubic and Carlos Estévez in the 95th Midsummer Classic at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia.
It was his first All-Star nomination in his career.
“I still can’t believe it,” Garcia said. “You work hard for that, being an All-Star and playing with the best players in the league. I’m so proud of myself for being an All-Star.”
Garcia got to share the moment with his family. He heard from his cousin and former Royals star Alcides Escobar. He also got a phone call from his cousin and Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr.
Those calls resonated with Garcia. It gave him a chance to reflect on his journey from Venezuela to the big leagues. And it served as the coronation of a lifelong dream becoming reality.
“I don’t know man, I can’t explain it,” Garcia said. “Being from our hometown and now we are a part of the best league in the world. Like being an All-Star, I can’t believe it.”
There’s a good chance Garcia’s mom couldn’t believe it as well. She was on a plane to Atlanta as Garcia shared the news. He did so in English and it became a heartwarming moment between a mother and son.
“I took my mom to the airport today. She was leaving for Atlanta,” Garcia said. “When she wasn’t on the plane, I told her in English, ‘I will go to the All-Star.’ I think she translated what I was saying and she said, ‘Oh, you are going to the All-Star?’ I said, ‘Yeah, my manager called me.’”
Garcia hopes to enjoy every All-Star moment. He will be right alongside Acuña as they live out their childhood dreams. And Garcia also plans to spend time with his Royals teammates and chat with other superstars around the league.
“I think it’s just him getting comfortable, being himself and going out there and enjoying it,” Witt said of Garcia.
A year ago, Garcia wouldn’t have described himself in the same vein. He struggled after having a terrific offseason in winter ball and spring training. He tried to hit too many home runs and it affected his swing.
So he went to the drawing board for corrections. Garcia added a toe-tap back to his batting stance and began to stand firm throughout his swing.
The results followed.
“I think I was one of the worst hitters in baseball last year,” Garcia said. “And now, I’m hitting the ball good, changed my stance and playing good all season. I think I can’t be more proud of myself.”
The Royals congratulated Garcia in the clubhouse prior to Friday’s series opener against the New York Mets at Kauffman Stadium. This is the second year the Royals have been represented with four All-Stars.
Last season, the Royals’ contingent was headlined by Witt, Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans and Salvador Perez.
“We have a talented group of guys and we need all 26 or more of them to perform at a high level,” Quatraro said. “We always say, you can never have enough guys playing well. And when we see these guys perform, that’s going to have a ripple effect through the rest of the team.”
Garcia learned of his All-Star status alongside Estévez on Friday. They replaced All-Stars Brandon Lowe and Jacob deGrom, respectively.
“I have the opportunity to play with my cousin and have two families there,” Garcia said. “So it’s going to be fun.”
