Small Ball Snapshot - Ready for Today

“Todo puede cambiar en un año. Nunca te rindas.”


Those were third baseman Maikel Garcia’s words on X this week after signing a contract extension with the Kansas City Royals.

Perseverance translates into any language. His words in English read:
Everything can change in a year. Never give up.

I first met Maikel in 2022 when he made his major league debut. As we got to know each other, he told me a story from his childhood.

In 2012, at just 12 years old, he visited the Royals clubhouse while in the United States for a youth baseball tournament. He was there to see his cousin, Alcides Escobar, a big league shortstop for Kansas City and later a Royals World Series champion.

Young Maikel Garcia with Alcides Escobar and Salvador Perez in 2012. Photo Courtesy: Maikel Garcia

Four years later, in 2016, Maikel signed with the Royals.


Sixteen years old.
About 128 pounds.
A $30,000 bonus.

Maikel comes from a family of professional baseball players. He’s closest in age to his cousin Ronald Acuña Jr., one of MLB’s brightest stars. The path for Ronald was fast. Maikel’s was different.

Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr and cousin Maikel Garcia in 2025

After a difficult 2024, the shift came through preparation. In spring training, he heard former Royal James Shields share the secret to longevity.
“Just get your body ready for today’s game.”

Not the season.
Not the future.

Today.

This year, the results followed.

His first All-Star selection.
His first Gold Glove.

The Royals now have two 25-year-old All-Star Gold Glovers on the left side of their infield in Maikel Garcia and Bobby Witt Jr.

There’s perspective in the numbers. Alcides Escobar earned about $26 million over a long major league career. Maikel is now guaranteed close to $60 million.

Everything can change in a year.
But most change starts long before anyone’s watching.

That’s Small Ball.

Question: What would change if you focused less on the season ahead and more on being ready for today?