Royals' Leadoff Spot: Who Will Take the Helm?
SURPRISE, Ariz. - As the Royals gear up for the new season, one question looms large: Who will take the reins as the team's leadoff hitter? Manager Matt Quatraro is still weighing his options, but he's optimistic about the choices at his disposal.
Quatraro commented, “We’ve got some good options with Maikel [Garcia], Bobby [Witt Jr.], [Isaac] Collins, [Jonathan] India, and even Vinnie [Pasquantino] has crossed my mind. I don’t have a definitive answer yet, but having these options is a great problem to have.”
Maikel Garcia: A Natural Fit
Garcia seems like a natural choice to lead off, especially given his past performance. He spent a significant part of 2024 leading off, though it was a challenging year with a .234/.280/.343 slash line.
However, 2025 was a different story. In 23 games batting first, Garcia posted an impressive .341/.404/.476.
His speed is a game-changer, with 60 steals over the past two years, making him a prime candidate to pressure defenses and ignite the offense.
Garcia himself is eager for the role: “I want to hit leadoff. It’s easier to steal bases without big hitters like [Salvador Perez] and Pasquantino right behind me. It benefits Bobby too, as he’ll see more fastballs.”
Bobby Witt Jr.: A Versatile Option
Witt is another strong contender, especially given his potential role as Team USA’s leadoff hitter in the World Baseball Classic. While he’s more accustomed to the No. 2 spot, where he can maximize his at-bats and capitalize on runners being on base, Witt is open to leading off if it benefits the team.
“Whatever the team needs,” Witt said. “Garcia loves leading off, so I’m flexible. It’s about what works best for everyone.”
Jonathan India: Eager for Redemption
India, who has previously thrived in the leadoff role, is keen to reclaim that spot. His motivation is clear: “I’ve always hit leadoff. It would be great to do it again and play every day.”
Isaac Collins: On-Base Specialist
Acquired for his ability to get on base, Collins brings a disciplined approach to the plate. With a .368 on-base percentage and a knack for drawing walks, he’s a valuable asset. His switch-hitting ability provides flexibility in breaking up the lineup’s handedness, which Quatraro values.
Collins explained, “Leading off is about setting the tone, especially in that first at-bat. But ultimately, I just want to contribute wherever I’m needed in the lineup.”
Vinnie Pasquantino: The Wild Card
Though primarily known for his power, Pasquantino's name has surprisingly entered the leadoff conversation. While it’s unlikely he’ll regularly lead off due to his run-producing prowess, he’s open to the idea under the right circumstances.
Pasquantino shared, “It’s about matchups. If we face a team with a righty starter and minimal left-handed relief, it might make sense. It’s an interesting concept to consider.”
As Opening Day approaches, Quatraro’s decision will be crucial. With multiple capable candidates, the Royals have the opportunity to craft a dynamic lineup that keeps opponents guessing. The leadoff spot is more than just a position; it’s a catalyst for the team’s success.