Maikel Garcia Wins MVP at World Baseball Classic, Shines on Global Stage

Following his breakout season with the Kansas City Royals, Maikel Garcia had established himself in MLB. Now, his fame has reached global heights.

The 26-year-old infielder was awarded the tournament's Most Valuable Player after Venezuela edged the favored United States 3-2 in the Classic final today.

“I always told the brothers back in Venezuela that anything can change in a year,” Garcia said beside the large silver MVP trophy. “2024 was tough for me, a full year of struggle; I was the worst hitter. Then in 2025, the writers voted me AL MVP. That was incredible and motivated me to work even harder.”

After posting a .231 batting average and a .614 OPS in 2024, last season became a breakout year for this Royals third baseman. He hit 16 home runs, raised his OPS by nearly 200 points, and won a Gold Glove. His confidence also grew significantly.

“I didn’t start believing in my talent until 2025,” Garcia said. “I knew I could do more, and that’s why I came to the Classic. I never imagined winning MVP in the Classic, but God’s plan is always perfect. Today was my turn.”

With his cousin Ronald Acuña Jr. alongside throughout—except in the lineup where Garcia batted second, right after Acuña—the third baseman played a key role in Venezuela’s first championship run. Garcia batted .385 in the tournament with one home run and seven RBIs, and in the championship game he drove in the first run with a sacrifice fly against US starter Nolan McLean.

In the semifinal against Italy, he also delivered a crucial hit during Venezuela’s decisive three-run rally in the seventh inning.

“They played really well,” Garcia said of the U.S. team. “God gave us this championship because our country needed it. Many people in Venezuela needed this title, and we needed it too.”

Garcia saw the talent in the opposing dugout, including U.S. captain Aaron Judge and his Royals teammate Bobby Witt Jr. They may have lost, but these are the players Garcia aspires to be.

“They improve every year. Last year was great for me; I want to keep that up and prove to everyone that I belong in MLB. I hope to perform like that every year,” Garcia said.

But those thoughts are for the regular season. For now, Venezuela is champion, and Garcia helped the team win the trophy by defeating Japan, Italy, and the United States in the knockout rounds.

“I don’t know what God has prepared for me or for my team, but for me, this is the most important thing,” Garcia said. “They underestimated Venezuela because we had never won any championship, but we are strong. We had never reached the final, but this blend of veterans and new players proved we can show Venezuela’s strength to the world.”