Maikel Garcia DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia is not in the team's Opening Day lineup on Thursday at Kauffman Stadium against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians and right-hander Ben Lively. Vinnie Pasquantino (hamstring) will serve as the designated hitter, while Michael Massey is at second base and Jonathan India mans the hot corner. The Royals are easing Pasquantino into the lineup as the DH to protect him after he suffered a Grade 1-plus hamstring strain last Saturday in spring training. When Pasquantino is healthy enough to return to first base duties, we should see the 25-year-old Garcia return as the regular third baseman for KC. The Venezuelan infielder had a career-high 37 steals in 157 games last year but underwhelmed with his bat (.231 average, seven home runs) and will most likely hit in the bottom third of the batting order this year with India in town.

Kansas City Royals infielder Maikel Garcia will see time in center field during spring training. In the offseason, the Royals acquired Jonathan India from the Cincinnati Reds, which added another bat to their infield. General manager J.J. Picollo noted that the way the team is currently set up, Garcia's "next best spot" is to shift to center field. As a result, this suggests that the team is considering giving Michael Massey the starting nod at second base. Garcia has only seen one start in the outfield throughout his MLB career. However, given the crowded infield, his best option to find consistent playing time may be shifting to the outfield. Last season, Garcia made 157 starts and held a .231/.284/.332 line with 27 doubles and 37 stolen bases. If the 24-year-old were to adjust well to center field in camp, he could push Kyle Isbel to a depth role.

Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia is batting in the leadoff spot on Saturday afternoon when the Royals face the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 24-year-old underwent an offseason surgery to remove bone spurs from his right elbow. However, seeing Garcia already in spring training action suggests his recovery process was not serious, and he will not face any limitations. Last season, the infielder posted a career-low .231/.281/.332 line with seven home runs and 37 stolen bases. However, he did generate a strong .260 xBA, which suggests that he should see some positive regression in 2025. Garcia typically was placed in the leadoff spot last season, but with Jonathan India now on the roster, Garcia may have to earn this spot in spring training. If he does continue to bat in this spot, he could be a strong contributor for runs, batting in front of Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez.