The rise from 2024’s lows to a 2025 All-Star nod is one of the most criminally overlooked storylines in Kansas City Royals infielder Maikel Garcia’s young career.
The glove has always been there—along with the speed and defensive versatility—but his bat was so ineffective that his long-term outlook looked bleak at best after last season. Yet, it’s a testament to how much can change in one offseason.
Garcia is now not only a lineup mainstay in Kansas City but has emerged as one of the trade deadline’s most surprising names. Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden of The Athletic hashelped transform that fringe speculation into a headline-worthy narrative in just a week.