January 31, 2025

Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia experienced a disappointing season in 2024 compared to his first full season in MLB in 2023. During the 2023 season, Garcia posted an impressive .272/.323/.358 slash line in 515 plate appearances and swiped 23 bases. In 2024, however, Garcia's numbers dropped to a .231/.281/.332 line in 626 plate appearances, although he increased his stolen bases to 37. Despite being active on the basepaths, he moved from the top of the batting order to the bottom multiple times due to his struggles to get on base. Garcia ranks in the 90th percentile or higher in baserunning value (99th), squared-up percentage (98th), chase percentage (92nd), and whiff percentage (92nd). He tends to swing at pitches early in the count, often hindering his ability to achieve a higher on-base percentage. If Garcia can demonstrate more patience in 2025 while remaining active on the bases and improving his batting average, he could undoubtedly provide solid production for fantasy managers in both points and category leagues. It's worth noting that Garcia underwent a minor procedure to remove bone chips from his right elbow in November, but he is expected to be ready for spring training. Fantasy managers looking for a young, high-upside infielder should target him at his 204.0 ADP on NFBC, which corresponds with his 230 overall ranking at RotoBaller.--Nicho Roessler - RotoBaller