The Kansas City Royals are nearing a significant five-year contract extension with All-Star third baseman Maikel Garcia, valued at $57.5 million. This deal, which includes a club option for a sixth year, is contingent upon the results of a physical examination.
At just 25 years old, Garcia had a standout season last year, achieving a batting average of .286 alongside impressive stats that included 16 home runs, 39 doubles, 74 RBIs, 81 runs scored, and 23 stolen bases over 160 games. His exceptional defensive play earned him the 2025 Gold Glove award, underscoring his value to the team beyond just offensive contributions.
Since making his debut with the Royals in 2022, Garcia has developed into a key player, having been signed from Venezuela in 2016. Over the course of his career, he has maintained a batting average of .263 with 27 home runs, 87 doubles, 184 RBIs, 225 runs, and 83 stolen bases in 449 games. This new contract extension will keep him with the Royals through the 2031 season, covering critical arbitration years from 2026 to 2029, as well as his initial two years of free agency.
This extension reflects the Royals’ strategic focus on nurturing young talent and making substantial investments in their roster. By securing a player of Garcia’s caliber, the Royals are positioning themselves for increased competitiveness in the future, highlighting a hopeful trend as they build for success in the seasons ahead.