The Royals’ award winners were deserving. But don’t forget these guys
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Royals honored Witt, Cameron and Garcia as team award winners for 2025.
- Pasquantino, Perez and Estévez provided key offense, power and saves.
- Injuries sidelined Bubic but Wacha and young starters sustained rotation.
The Kansas City Royals celebrated their top players from the 2025 season Monday afternoon.
The club revealed Bobby Witt Jr. as the Les Milgram Player of the Year. He was joined by Noah Cameron — the Bruce Rice Pitcher of the Year — and Maikel Garcia as the Joe Burke Special Achievement Award recipient.
All three players were deserving. They were selected by the Kansas City chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.
Witt, 25, was the overwhelming favorite as player of the year. He posted a .295 batting average with 23 home runs and 88 RBIs. The superstar finished as an All-MLB first-team selection, Silver Slugger Award recipient and with a Platinum Glove.
Cameron was just as good.
He flirted with a no-hitter in his MLB debut against the Tampa Bay Rays. From there, he continued to post strong numbers en route to a 2.99 ERA in 24 starts. The Royals leaned on Cameron to pitch significant innings amid various injuries to the starting rotation.
Garcia rounded out the team winners. He blossomed into a key component of the starting lineup with career highs across the board. Garcia hit .286 with 16 home runs and 74 RBIs in 160 games. Additionally, Garcia won a Gold Glove at third base.
The Royals finished 82-80 last season. There were contributions from several players who also could’ve received votes in each category.
Here’s a look at the unsung performers from the last Royals season:
Vinnie Pasquantino
Vinnie Pasquantino had his moments in 2025. At times, he took control of the offense as a key run producer in the middle of the batting order. Pasquantino led the club with 32 home runs and 113 RBIs in 160 games.
In August, Pasquantino had a stretch where he hit .379 with six homers in 29 at-bats. He was named the American League Player of the Week.
The Royals slotted Pasquantino behind Witt in the starting lineup and they created a potent offensive combination. Expect a similar output in 2026 as Pasquantino finished sixth among all big leaguers in RBIs.
Carlos Estévez
The Royals found their closer in the late stages of the 2025 offseason. In many ways, the decision to acquire Carlos Estévez was an important step in solidifying the bullpen for the foreseeable future.
And Estévez answered the call. He posted a 2.45 ERA and led the majors with 42 saves — all the while being available to pitch in any situation.
The Royals set up their bullpen around Estévez. The pitching staff felt confident each time he took the mound and he was rewarded with an All-Star appearance.
Michael Wacha
Where would the Royals be without Michael Wacha?
The wily veteran continued to anchor the starting rotation amid injuries to his teammates. In many ways, Wacha was the calming presence to help young pitchers adjust to the big leagues and a driving force down the stretch.
Wacha, 34, posted a 3.81 ERA in 31 starts. He demonstrated consistency by posting 13 quality starts along the way. The Royals valued his contributions and rewarded him with a three-year, $51 million contract last offseason.
Salvador Perez
There aren’t many like Salvador Perez. The Royals team captain continues to produce historic numbers at the catching position.
In 2025, Perez became the eighth primary catcher to reach 300 or more career home runs. He also eclipsed 1000 career RBIs and played the majority of his games behind the plate.
The Royals kept Perez for the long haul this offseason. He signed a two-year contract extension to remain with the organization. Perez will chase more Royals history in 2026 — as he sits just 14 home runs from tying George Brett’s franchise record.
Kris Bubic
If there was a first-half pitching award, the Royals might’ve given it to left-handed starter Kris Bubic.
Bubic dominated opponents through 20 starts. He posted a 2.55 ERA in 116 ⅓ innings and drew early AL Cy Young Award consideration. However, a left shoulder injury sidelined Bubic for the remainder of the year.
Bubic didn’t require surgery. He is expected to have a normal offseason and be on track to begin spring training. His work before the injury is enough to be considered a special achievement for both himself and the organization.
