The Kansas City Royals are set to finalize a five-year contract extension with infielder Maikel Garcia, which will include a club option for a sixth year, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Previously under club control through 2029, this new deal will secure Garcia’s services through 2030. This agreement allows the Royals to maintain control over two potential free-agent years for the young 25-year-old player, represented by Wasserman. The contract guarantees Garcia a total of $57.5 million, with the potential to earn up to $85 million through performance incentives and the club option.
Garcia, who will celebrate his 26th birthday in March, became arbitration-eligible for the first time during the current offseason. MLB Trade Rumors’ Matt Swartz projected his salary at $4.8 million following a breakout 2025 season. As a Super Two player, Garcia is eligible for arbitration four times in his career, leading to several pay raises in upcoming years.
Having been a regular player for the Royals over the past three seasons, Garcia truly emerged as a valuable contributor during the 2025 campaign. While he previously excelled mainly in speed and defense—racking up a combined total of 60 stolen bases over the 2023-2024 seasons—his performance at the plate reached new heights in 2025. After batting .249/.300/.344 in 1,141 plate appearances from 2023 to 2024, he showcased his talents with an impressive .286/.351/.449 stat line over a career-high 666 plate appearances in 2025. His breakout year included personal bests with 16 home runs, 39 doubles, five triples, and career-highs in walk and strikeout rates, reinforcing his offensive capabilities.
Defensively, Garcia has proven to be a versatile asset, primarily playing third base but also appearing at second base, shortstop, and even center field. His excellence at third base has been highlighted by outstanding defensive metrics, including 15 Defensive Runs Saved and 18 Outs Above Average across 1,144 innings played. His exceptional performance could set him on a path to potentially win multiple Gold Glove Awards.
Garcia is positioned as the Royals’ long-term option at third base, alongside shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who is also locked into a long-term contract. This combination promises to solidify a formidable infield that will benefit the team for several years. While the Royals have signed Jonathan India to a contract this offseason to play second base regularly, speculation remains about Garcia’s future position.
As it stands, Garcia and Witt are the only Royals players signed past the 2027 season, although the team retains options on pitchers Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha. Kansas City also controls left-handed pitcher Cole Ragans and first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, who becomes another potential candidate for an extension through the 2028 season. Team captain and franchise staple Salvador Perez is under contract until 2027, and he is expected to continue playing for Kansas City before eventually transitioning to a designated hitter role as the organization welcomes top catching prospects like Carter Jensen and Blake Mitchell.
Kansas City appears to have a promising future ahead, with a strong left-side infield and a roster poised for competitive seasons. This strategic extension of Garcia reinforces a commitment to building a successful franchise in the years to come.