Maikel Garcia -- Fantasy Value

Maikel Garcia and the Kansas City Royals agreed to a five-year contract extension with a sixth-year club option, solidifying the shortstop's long-term future with the organization. This commitment follows a career-defining 2025 season where Garcia slashed .287/.353/.450 with 16 home runs and 23 stolen bases, earning his first All-Star selection and Gold Glove Award at just 25 years old.

For fantasy purposes in 2026, Garcia ranks #62 in draft rankings and #61 for rest-of-season, with expert consensus projecting 572 at-bats yielding 155 hits, 13 home runs, and 26 stolen bases with a .271 batting average and .742 OPS. His draft ranking has ranged between #35 and #173 among 37 tracked experts, indicating some variance in player evaluation. Garcia profiles as a speed-and-contact hitter who gained credibility through his recent performance, making him a potential league-winner candidate as he enters his prime years with the Royals.