Royals infielder Maikel Garcia has been one of Major League Baseball’s biggest overperformers in 2025, far exceeding preseason ZiPS projections. Expected to post a .256 average and .674 OPS, Garcia has instead hit .301 with an .827 OPS, improving his on-base percentage to .364 and slugging to .466.

Garcia’s contact skills have remained among the league’s best, and he has added more power while maintaining a line-drive, all-fields approach. His production has helped fuel Kansas City’s offense during its playoff push, complementing the recent home run surge led by Vinnie Pasquantino.

Defensively versatile, Garcia’s steady play has been a key factor in the Royals’ ability to stay in the American League Wild Card race. With over a month remaining, his continued performance could be pivotal as Kansas City begins a road trip to Detroit and Chicago aiming to build on a strong August stretch.