How Royals’ Maikel Garcia solidified spot among baseball’s top players for 2026
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- MLB Network placed Maikel Garcia at No. 65 on its 2026 top‑100 players list.
- Garcia finished 2025 with a .286 average, 16 homers, 74 RBIs, 23 steals and 5.8 WAR.
- Royals moved outfield fences inward and named Garcia everyday third baseman.
Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia enjoyed a breakout 2025 season filled with multiple accolades.
Garcia made the Major League Baseball All-Star Game for the first time and finished the season with some MVP votes. The 25-year-old (he turns 26 in March) also received his first Gold Glove and a well-deserved contract extension.
Now, Garcia is officially recognized as being among the best players in the majors. On Wednesday, Garcia was ranked at No. 65 on MLB Network’s top 100 list. He joins two KC teammates — first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (No. 93) and pitcher Cole Ragans (No. 89) — in the rankings ... so far.
Last season, Garcia hit .286 with 16 home runs, 74 RBIs and 23 stolen bases. He registered a 5.8 WAR (wins above replacement) while developing as a sure-handed defensive tandem with Bobby Witt Jr. on the left side of the infield.
Garcia could reach new heights this coming season. The Royals have decided to move in their outfield fences, with the hope of generating more offense. Garcia thrived when pulling the baseball in the air, so the cozier dimensions could lead to more homers and extra-base hits.
The Royals put their faith in Garcia in 2025. He enters the 2026 season as their everyday third baseman and a key component of their offense.
“When we think about the Royals and what our identity is, he embodies everything we look for in a position player,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said last month. “We talk about defense, situational hitting and baserunning. You can check all three boxes with Maikel.”
