Maikel Garcia says latest social-media post is for people who doubt the Royals
In the early hours of Wednesday, not long after the Royals’ 5-2 win over the Texas Rangers, third baseman Maikel Garcia picked up his phone.
Garcia logged into his X account and typed three words.
Prove them wrong
Garcia told me Wednesday afternoon that the message was directed at fans and media members who doubt the Royals, who are 2 1/2 games behind the Mariners for the final wild-card spot.
“It’s just like because MLB or people, they don’t expect the Royals are going to be in the playoffs,” Garcia said. “So we have to prove to the people they are wrong, and we have to go there and compete like we did last year.”
There were doubters even a year ago when the Royals were a wild-card team and advanced to the American League Division Series.
A 12-1 record against the White Sox was seen by some as proof the Royals weren’t truly a playoff-caliber team in 2024.
“We always hear the negative stuff,” Garcia said. “Like, ‘Oh, the Royals, they beat the White Sox. The White Sox are not a (good) team.’ That’s two MLB teams playing.
“It’s a message for other teams’ (fans). Not the Royals fans.”
Garcia has a .300 average, which is eighth in the majors, while his 22 stolen bases are the eighth-most in the American League. Baseball Reference shows Garcia’s 4.2 Wins Above Replacement is 10th among AL players.
This story was originally published August 21, 2025 at 8:29 AM.
