Bobby Witt Jr., Maikel Garcia headline Royals’ team awards — alongside a rookie
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- Bobby Witt Jr. earned Les Milgram Player of the Year for a fourth straight season.
- Noah Cameron captured Bruce Rice Pitcher of the Year after a 2.99 ERA in 24 starts.
- Maikel Garcia received Joe Burke Special Achievement following a career year.
The Kansas City Royals have closed the chapter on the 2025 season.
On Monday, the Royals announced their team award recipients — as voted on by the Kansas City chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.
The Royals annually present the Les Milgram Player of the Year Award, Bruce Rice Pitcher of the Year Award and the Joe Burke Special Achievement Award.
Here are the 2025 recipients.
Royals’ Player of the Year: Bobby Witt Jr.
Witt continues to add to his Royals legacy. On Monday, Witt was named the Les Milgram Player of the Year for the fourth consecutive season. He trails just Royals Hall of Famer George Brett — who won the award eight times — on the all-time leaderboard.
This season, Witt led the majors in hits and doubles. He posted a .295 batting average with 23 home runs and 88 RBIs, plus 38 stolen bases. In what was perceived as a “down season,” Witt still managed to make the All-Star team and finish fourth in American League MVP voting.
He also won a Silver Slugger Award and a Gold Glove. Among his peers, Witt received the Platinum Glove as the AL’s best defender.
The Royals relied on Witt to pilot their offense. He remains a key part of their future alongside Maikel Garcia, Vinnie Pasquantino, Jac Caglianone and Carter Jensen among others.
Witt also became the first MLB player to have at least 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases in his first four professional seasons.
The Les Milgram Player of the Year Award was established in 1971. It’s named in honor of the late Kansas City businessman and Royals board member.
Royals’ Pitcher of the Year: Noah Cameron
Noah Cameron was given the unenviable task of making his MLB debut on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays in late April.
For many rookies, a tough road start is less than ideal. However, Cameron rose to the occasion with 6 ⅓ shutout innings. He took a no-hitter deep into the game before earning his first win in convincing fashion.
And Cameron continued to elevate his game. On Monday, Cameron was named the Bruce Rice Pitcher of the Year for the 2025 campaign.
Cameron, 26, posted a 9-7 record with a 2.99 ERA in 24 starts. The St. Joseph native recorded 114 strikeouts in 138 ⅓ innings and held opponents to a .214 batting average.
The Royals needed Cameron due to multiple injuries in the starting rotation. The touted left-hander delivered with 10 quality starts and a fourth-place finish in AL Rookie of the Year voting.
Cameron is an integral part of the starting rotation. In 2026, he will be joined by MLB veterans Cole Ragans, Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo in that group.
The Bruce Rice Pitcher of the Year Award is named after the late Kansas City-area sportscaster.
Royals’ Special Achievement Award: Maikel Garcia
Maikel Garcia made a name for himself in 2025. The third baseman produced a career year across the board — and it culminated in his first All-Star appearance.
Garcia, 25, hit .286 with 16 home runs and 74 RBIs. A lot of credit goes to a batting stance adjustment which incorporated a toe-tap. Defensively, Garcia was named an AL Gold Glove winner at third.
This season, Garcia recorded 17 outs above average at his position. He ranked second among MLB third basemen behind Cincinnati Reds infielder Ke’Bryan Hayes.
Garcia helped carry the Royals early in the season. He was named the club’s player of the month twice — he recorded 37 hits in May and a .343 on-base percentage in June.
The Joe Burke Special Achievement Award is named in honor of the club’s Hall of Famer and presented to an unsung player who contributed to what’s beyond expected or someone who had an outstanding season.
