The Kansas City Royals made a clear statement this offseason: Maikel Garcia isn’t just part of their future-he is the future. After a breakout 2025 campaign, the 25-year-old third baseman was rewarded with a six-year extension that could be worth up to $85.3 million. It’s a big investment, but one that feels earned for a player who’s grown up in the Royals’ system since signing out of Venezuela back in 2016.
Garcia’s rise has been steady, but 2025 was the year everything clicked. He didn’t just flash potential-he delivered.
And while he’s been recognized with accolades and a Gold Glove, his name was notably absent from one high-profile list: MLB.com's All-World Team. That snub raised eyebrows, especially in Kansas City, where fans have seen firsthand what Garcia brings to the table.
Let’s break it down.
The Snub: Eugenio Suárez Over Garcia at Third Base
MLB.com's Michael Clair tabbed Eugenio Suárez as the third baseman on his All-World Team, citing Suárez’s 49-homer season split between the Diamondbacks and Mariners. No question, 49 home runs is a monster number-especially in today’s game.
But while the long ball grabs headlines, it doesn’t always tell the full story. And in this case, it tells a pretty one-dimensional one.
Garcia’s 2025 season was far more well-rounded. He posted a 5.6 fWAR-second-best among all primary third basemen-while Suárez came in at 3.8. That’s not a small gap; that’s the difference between a borderline All-Star and a legitimate MVP candidate.
Yes, Suárez had a slight edge in wRC+ (125 to Garcia’s 121), but Garcia more than made up for it everywhere else. He was elite defensively, winning the AL Gold Glove at third base and finishing just behind Ke’Bryan Hayes for the best in all of baseball.
Suárez, on the other hand, graded out as a below-average defender in 159 games. That’s a tough pill to swallow when you’re trying to make the case for all-around value.
And then there’s the baserunning. Garcia added real value on the basepaths, while Suárez’s impact there was negligible. Add it all up, and Garcia’s complete game simply outshines Suárez’s power-heavy profile.
The Power vs. Balance Debate
Look, Suárez’s 49 homers are nothing to scoff at. He’s 34, still mashing, and when he’s hot, he’s a game-changer.
But the second half of his season told a different story. After July, he cooled off significantly-his wRC+ dipped below league average, and his strikeout rate ballooned to nearly 40%.
That’s not just a slump; that’s a red flag, especially for a player entering free agency.
Meanwhile, Garcia was steady all year long. He played elite defense, hit for average, got on base, and ran the bases well. He wasn’t just helping the Royals win-he was doing it in every phase of the game.
So if you’re picking a third baseman for a best-of-five series, who do you want? The streaky slugger who might hit three home runs-or strike out eight times? Or the guy who gives you elite defense, consistent contact, and smart baserunning every single night?
The answer feels pretty clear.
Royals Betting on the Right Guy
By locking up Garcia, the Royals are doing something they haven’t always done: committing to their homegrown talent before they hit the open market. It’s a smart move, and it sends a message-not just to fans, but to the rest of the league. Kansas City believes in Garcia, and they’re building around him.
The All-World Team is a fun exercise, especially with the World Baseball Classic looming. But when it comes to third base, the numbers-and the eye test-both point to Garcia as the top Venezuelan at the position. Suárez’s power made headlines, but Garcia’s all-around game made a bigger impact.
And in today’s game, that kind of player is worth every penny.