Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia sent a message to Bobby Witt Jr. on Thursday.
The Kansas City Royals may very well have the best left side of the infield in baseball with shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and third baseman Maikel Garcia anchoring the defense. Even better for Kansas City, that duo is locked in long term. Garcia signed a five-year contract extension this offseason worth $57.5 million guaranteed, while Witt is secured under the largest deal in franchise history, an 11-year, $288.7 million extension.
Beyond their on-field excellence, the two have clearly built a strong bond off the field as well. Witt recently shared photos on social media recapping his memorable 2025 season, and Garcia responded underneath with a simple but telling message, calling him “La cabra 🐐,” the Spanish phrase for “The goat."
Witt’s journey in Kansas City began when the Royals selected him second overall in the 2019 MLB Draft. From the moment he entered professional baseball, Witt was viewed as a foundational piece.
After quickly climbing the minor league system, he made his MLB debut in 2022 and immediately showcased his rare blend of power, speed and elite defense. Witt has already accumulated two Gold Gloves, two Silver Sluggers and two All-Star selections.
In 2025, he delivered another elite season, hitting .295 with 23 home runs, 38 stolen bases and 184 hits while playing nearly every game at shortstop. His all-around impact placed him among the top players in the American League once again as he finished fourth in AL MVP voting, further solidifying his status as the face of the franchise.
Garcia’s path was different but just as impressive. Signed out of Venezuela, he steadily worked his way through the Royals’ system before debuting in 2022. His defensive versatility and speed allowed him to carve out a role, but by 2025 he had fully established himself as one of the best third basemen in the league.
The 25-year-old broke out last season, posting a .286 batting average, a .351 on-base percentage, an .800 OPS, 16 home runs and 74 RBIs across 160 games. His glove work was equally impactful, earning him Gold Glove recognition and cementing his reputation as an elite defender.
Together, Witt and Garcia represent everything the Royals hope to be. They are homegrown, dynamic, fundamentally sound and committed to winning in Kansas City. With both players entering their prime and locked into long-term contracts, the Royals have built a foundation that gives fans real reason to believe the future is bright.
Their partnership on the left side of the infield is not only the team’s greatest strength but also a symbol of stability and promise for a franchise eager to return to contention.