Royals’ Maikel Garcia had breakout 2025 season. Now he’s brimming with confidence
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- Garcia credited confidence and a changed batting stance after a down 2024 season.
- Garcia was named MVP of the 2026 World Baseball Classic and helped Venezuela win.
- Through 15 games Garcia is hitting .328 with two homers and a .911 OPS for the Royals.
There’s a bold confidence flowing through Maikel Garcia’s veins. And it continues to grow stronger each time he walks to the plate.
Garcia admittedly owns it. He is unabashed at the plate, leaning on a renewed swagger that only comes with experience.
“I think I understand that I’m a good player,” Garcia said after Saturday’s 2-0 win over the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium.
“Sometimes, like, I just don’t play this game well. So to have that confidence, to know that I’m part of this league and I’m an All-Star, that’s good for my confidence.”
Garcia wasn’t at his best in 2024. He recorded career lows across the board, and it led to him changing his batting stance. He added a toe-tap and started staying balanced through the strike zone with his swing.
Garcia rectified his mistakes last season. He became an All-Star while also garnering American League MVP votes. He won a Gold Glove at third base and was nominated for a Silver Slugger.
Last month Garcia was MVP of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He was the catalyst that helped Venezuela win the global baseball tournament.
Garcia didn’t chase stardom. His hard work and dedication led him to it.
And now, the Royals are reaping the benefits.
In Saturday’s game, Garcia stepped to the plate in the first inning against White Sox pitcher Erick Fedde. Garcia saw a first-pitch 93.9 mph sinker down the middle of the plate and took a home-run swing.
Garcia belted the baseball over the left-field wall. It was his second homer of the 2026 campaign and the third leadoff blast of his career.
The Royals dugout buzzed with excitement as the ball went out. Garcia marveled at his handiwork as he rounded the bases. He had just put his team ahead — for good, as it would turn out.
“Amazing,” Garcia said of his hot start this season.
Royals manager Matt Quatraro agreed. He enjoys Garcia’s aggressive approach at the plate and knows it’s fueling the offense.
“He’s been in a great spot since opening day,” Quatraro said. “He’s swinging the bat well and seeing the ball well. He’s using the whole field. There’s not much that he’s not doing.”
Garcia is hitting .328 with 19 hits, five doubles, two homers and eight RBIs. He also owns a .911 OPS (on-base plus slugging) through 15 games.
Saturday’s homer helped snap a first-inning drought for the Royals. It was the first run they’ve scored in an opening inning all season.
Garcia has now reached safely four times while leading off a game.
“Maikel has been aggressive early in the count starting games ...” Quatraro said. “If you are going to be ready to go and you get a good pitch to hit, let it rip.”
Garcia could be on his way to another All-Star nomination. And the big moments don’t faze him. He takes it all in stride — in large part due to his routine.
It works for him. Just as the Royals hoped it would.
“I’m doing my routine and having confidence,” Garcia said. “I think that’s the key.”
This story was originally published April 11, 2026 at 8:06 PM.
