The Kansas City Royals have solidified the left side of their infield. On Friday, the club announced a five-year contract extension for third baseman Maikel Garcia, ensuring he will remain at the hot corner alongside shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. for the next half decade. Witt is widely regarded as the third-best player in MLB, and pairing him with Garcia gives Kansas City one of the most dynamic young infield duos in the game.
Garcia earned his extension after a breakout 2025 season that showcased his all-around ability. He captured his first Gold Glove Award, cementing his reputation as an elite defender, but his contributions went far beyond the glove. Garcia thrived in every aspect of the game, much like Witt, and proved to be a reliable presence in the lineup. Across 160 games, he posted a .286 batting average, a .351 on-base percentage and an .800 OPS. He added 16 home runs, 23 stolen bases and 74 RBIs, earning his first All-Star selection and finishing 14th in AL MVP voting.
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After the news broke that Garcia was sticking around long term, he shared a photo of himself feeding a ball to Witt on the infield, a routine they had perfected countless times. The picture, however, was dated back to 2020, when neither player was a household name but simply prospects grinding their way through the Royals’ minor league system. It was a snapshot of their beginnings, a reminder of how far they had come together.
Garcia’s journey with Kansas City began in 2017 when he signed as an international prospect out of Venezuela at just 17 years old. Witt’s path was different but equally tied to the organization. Selected second overall in the 2019 MLB Draft, he arrived with immense expectations and quickly blossomed into one of the brightest players in the league. Both players have spent their entire professional careers in Kansas City’s system, growing side by side. Garcia’s post was more than nostalgia. It was a celebration of their shared journey. Witt, recognizing the moment, reposted the photo with the caption, “Where it all started!!”
Bobby Witt Jr.’s Instagram Story on Dec. 13, 2025
For the Royals, Garcia’s rise represents more than just individual success. His development into a two-way threat strengthens a roster that has been steadily building around Witt. With Garcia locked in at third and Witt entrenched at shortstop, Kansas City now has stability at two of the most important positions on the diamond. The extension signals the organization’s commitment to keeping its homegrown stars together as they aim to return to playoff contention in 2026