Tyler Tolbert isn’t just a speed guy. His recent play has shifted the narrative
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Tyler Tolbert’s speed and 20 stolen bases earned him a key late-game role in 2025.
- Tolbert’s versatility across infield and outfield positions boosted his playing time.
- The Royals expect Tolbert to be a core utility player amid a youth-driven roster shift.
Kansas City Royals speedster Tyler Tolbert is always on the move.
On a given day, Tolbert can be found working on the infield dirt, taking ground balls across three positions. He will line up at third base to work on his reactions. Then, he will slide over to shortstop or second to improve his glovework.
And if there’s time, Tolbert heads out to shag fly balls in the outfield before taking his swings during batting practice.
It’s a pregame routine that few players have. However, the Royals rookie knows his role can fluctuate throughout the season. It’s the reason why he must stay ready.
“You never know what this game or situation might call you to do,” Tolbert said. “I’m the utility guy, so I have to kind of be prepared to play any position. That’s the main thing. Just kind of like continuing to sharpen your tools.”
Tolbert typically isn’t lauded for his utility role. Instead, he strikes fear in opponents over his blazing speed on the basepaths. Opposing teams know the danger Tolbert presents when his name is called upon.
When Tolbert gets in the game, his agenda is to steal a base. Entering Wednesday, Tolbert had recorded 20 steals in 22 attempts. The proficiency has landed him a key bench role, but Tolbert wants to be known as more than a “speed guy.”
“I’ve been a speed guy my whole life,” Tolbert said. “There is only one thing I need to do and that’s just play my game. Just be me. You know, whatever box people want to put me in, that’s their opinion. But at the end of the day, (I) just go out there and play my game.”
Tolbert has received a few chances to expand his game. The Royals have used him in center field when Kyle Isbel needs a break. He also has been a defensive replacement, at times, spelling the Royals’ middle infielders.
As of Wednesday, Tolbert was hitting .292 (14-for-48) with 17 runs scored, one home run and six RBIs in 60 games.
Recently, Tolbert has found a rhythm with five hits in his last 15 plate appearances. It’s earned him more playing time; he was in Tuesday’s lineup against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium.
“Toby’s a hard worker, man,” second baseman Jonathan India said. “He’s always out, you know, outfield and infield. He always wants to learn. He always has a question and he is always ready off the bench, which is a pretty cool thing. You know, he knows his role and he makes the best of it. That’s what’s really impressive to me as a rookie.”
The Royals have found success with several rookies this season. Tolbert joined a strong class that includes starting pitchers Noah Cameron and Ryan Bergert among others. The Royals also welcomed Jac Caglianone and Carter Jensen to the big-league roster.
The KC youth movement will be featured heading into next season. Tolbert is expected to have a key role given the Royals’ propensity to keep a high-level pinch runner on the roster. The organization has done so with the likes of Terrance Gore, Jarrod Dyson and Dairon Blanco in the past.
Tolbert is next in that line. And with each passing day, he could establish himself with more consistency as a utilityman moving forward.
“He’s ultra competitive, which is fun to watch,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “And he is always ready. You know, I see him during the game pacing the dugout. You know, he is down in the cage keeping his legs loose. He’s ready, whether it’s the first or the ninth. And I think that’s something. He is the consummate team guy, too. So, he will go in whatever situation and do whatever is asked of him.”
The Royals were eliminated from playoff contention Tuesday. The club will continue to fight to finish the season with a winning record. Tolbert could get a chance to earn more playing time as he looks forward to the 2026 campaign.
“I’m just going to be me,” Tolbert said. “I’m just going to be Tyler Tolbert and that’s the only thing I can do. And just go out there and just play. Let the chips fall wherever they may fall at.”
