The Kansas City Royals are facing a crucial decision at third base as the 2025 season approaches. At the heart of this dilemma is Maikel Garcia, a 24-year-old speedster who struggled during the 2024 season, his second full year in the big leagues. With questions surrounding his future and performance, the Royals are evaluating their options—and potential alternatives could shake up their roster.
Maikel Garcia: A Promising Talent or Trade Candidate?
Garcia’s potential has been evident since his early days in the organization, but his 2024 campaign raised concerns about his long-term viability. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his inability to consistently get on base has hindered his ability to excel as a top-of-the-order hitter. As a result, he’s been mentioned in trade discussions, with several teams reportedly interested in adding infield depth.
If the Royals decide to part ways with Garcia, the question becomes: Who will take over at third base?
A High-Risk, High-Reward Option: Yoan Moncada
Enter Yoan Moncada, a name that once dominated MLB prospect rankings. Back in 2017, Moncada was the No. 1 overall prospect in baseball, a rising star in the Boston Red Sox system. He was the centerpiece of the blockbuster trade that sent Chris Sale to Boston. However, his career with the Chicago White Sox has been a roller coaster of injuries and inconsistency.
After signing a five-year, $70 million extension following a stellar 2019 season, Moncada’s production dipped. The White Sox recently declined his $25 million club option for 2025, making him a free agent and presenting the Royals with an intriguing opportunity.
Why Moncada Makes Sense for the Royals
Despite his struggles, Moncada remains an intriguing option for teams willing to take a calculated risk. Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report recently listed Moncada as a free agent with “huge buy-low upside.” His age, raw tools, and prior success make him a compelling candidate for a team like the Royals, who could use his potential as a springboard to improve their roster.
Moncada’s Track Record
From 2019 to 2021, Moncada was an above-average hitter, posting a 123 OPS+ and contributing 9.8 bWAR over 328 games. His career OPS+ currently sits at a respectable 106, indicating that when healthy, he can provide value at the plate. At 30 years old, Moncada may not be the future superstar many envisioned, but he could still be a productive player with the right support system.
A One-Year Deal Could Be Ideal
For the Royals, a short-term commitment to Moncada could be the perfect move. Offering him a one-year deal allows them to evaluate his performance without a long-term risk. If Moncada can bounce back and deliver consistent production, he could be a significant upgrade over Garcia at third base. Additionally, the Royals could use Garcia as a trade asset to bolster their pitching depth or add other roster pieces.
Comparing Garcia and Moncada
Upside and Versatility
- Garcia: While Garcia is younger and offers excellent speed and defensive versatility, his offensive struggles limit his impact. He has yet to prove he can handle the demands of being an everyday third baseman for a contending team.
- Moncada: On the other hand, Moncada’s past performance demonstrates a higher offensive ceiling. His experience at the big-league level, coupled with his ability to play multiple positions, gives him an edge in terms of overall value.
Health Concerns
Moncada’s injury history is a concern, but the Royals’ medical staff and coaching team could provide the environment he needs to stay on the field. His ability to regain his peak form hinges on staying healthy and finding consistency at the plate.
The Royals’ Path Forward
As the Royals evaluate their options, they must consider both short-term and long-term implications. Here are some potential strategies:
1. Trade Maikel Garcia
If the Royals can find a trade partner willing to offer pitching depth or a high-upside prospect in exchange for Garcia, they should seriously consider pulling the trigger. This move would free up third base for Moncada or another acquisition while addressing other areas of need.
2. Sign Yoan Moncada to a Low-Risk Deal
Offering Moncada a one-year, incentive-laden contract allows the Royals to minimize risk while maximizing potential reward. If Moncada rebounds, he could become a valuable trade chip at the deadline or a key contributor for a playoff push.
3. Explore Internal Options
If neither Garcia nor Moncada fits the bill, the Royals could look within their system for a solution. Prospects or utility players may offer a stopgap option while the team builds for the future.
Predictions for the 2025 Season
If the Royals take a chance on Moncada, they could benefit from his bounce-back potential. Here are some predictions for how this scenario might play out:
- Moncada Becomes a Key Contributor: With a fresh start in Kansas City, Moncada could regain his confidence and provide solid production at third base.
- Improved Pitching Depth: Trading Garcia for pitching talent could strengthen the Royals’ rotation or bullpen, addressing one of their most pressing needs.
- A Balanced Roster: By taking a calculated risk on Moncada, the Royals could improve their lineup while maintaining flexibility for future moves.
Recommendations for the Royals
To maximize their chances of success, the Royals should:
- Monitor Moncada’s Market: Keep an eye on other teams’ interest in Moncada and be prepared to act quickly if his asking price aligns with their budget.
- Prioritize Development: Ensure that Moncada receives the support he needs to succeed, from training and health management to lineup protection.
- Focus on Versatility: Look for players who can contribute in multiple ways, whether through defensive flexibility, baserunning, or offensive impact.
Conclusion
The Kansas City Royals face a pivotal decision at third base as they prepare for the 2025 season. Maikel Garcia’s struggles have opened the door for potential alternatives, with Yoan Moncada emerging as a high-risk, high-reward option. By carefully evaluating their roster needs and exploring creative solutions, the Royals have an opportunity to strengthen their team and build toward contention. Whether they stick with Garcia, roll the dice on Moncada, or pursue another path, the Royals’ moves this offseason will shape their future success.