Venue and Location The event is at the ICC Sydney Theatre in Darling Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. This premier venue frequently hosts major Australian boxing events with excellent sightlines and atmosphere.
The card begins at 7:00 PM AEDT, with the main event ringwalks approximately 10:30 PM AEDT (subject to undercard length). International times: around 3:00 AM ET / 12:00 AM PT or 8:00 AM GMT.
Injury Report No injuries reported for either fighter or across the card. Both made weight smoothly, with no issues noted during the weigh-in process.
Featured Matchup: Koen Mazoudier vs. Dominic Molinaro (Super Welterweight, 10 Rounds, Australian Title) The Australian super welterweight title is on the line in this classic veteran vs. rising undefeated prospect battle.
Koen “Malicious” Mazoudier (14-4-1, 6 KOs): 30-year-old orthodox fighter from New South Wales, current Australian champion. Stands tall at 182cm with good reach and technical boxing skills. Known for resilience and recent improvements in power.
Dominic Molinaro (5-0-0, 2-3 KOs): 24-year-old undefeated orthodox prospect from Melbourne, Victoria. Height around 177cm, bringing youth, hunger, and solid amateur background into his pro step-up.
Recent Form
Mazoudier: On a strong run after capturing the national title.
Sep 2025: TKO win over Jorge Kapeen (won Australian title)
Apr 2025: UD win over Dan Hill
Earlier wins building momentum with stoppages and decisions. Experienced at domestic level with proven durability.
Molinaro: Perfect 5-0, steadily progressing with wins over increasing opposition. Recent bouts show outboxing skills and composure, earning this title shot as a major opportunity.
Fight History No previous encounters. This is Mazoudier’s first defense of the Australian super welterweight belt against a hungry challenger.
Pre-Fight Notes Buildup has been respectful, focused on the title implications. No major incidents reported. Mazoudier enters as the seasoned champion, while Molinaro looks to make a statement.
FIGHT ODDS
Dominic Molinaro + 120
Koen Mazoudier – 160
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Venue and Location The event is held at the ICC Sydney Theatre (branded as TikTok Entertainment Centre) in Darling Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. This state-of-the-art venue regularly hosts high-profile combat
The card starts at 7:00 PM AEDT, with the main event ringwalks expected around 10:30 PM AEDT (depending on undercard duration). International times: approx. 3:00 AM ET / 12:00 AM PT (same day) or 8:00 AM GMT.
Injury Report No significant injuries reported for either fighter in this matchup or across the card. All participants, including the main event, successfully made weight without issues.
Featured Matchup: Blake Wells vs. Quinton Smith (Middleweight, Scheduled for 8-10 Rounds) A classic experience vs. prospect clash on the undercard, pitting a seasoned southpaw against a hard-hitting Muay Thai convert stepping up in competition.
Blake “Bomber” Wells (12-2-0, 5 KOs): 32-year-old southpaw from Bairnsdale/Sydney, Australia. Stands 6’1″ with a long reach (72.5″). Known for durable, high-volume style and recent improvements in power and defense.
Quinton “Da Hitman” Smith (2-1-0, 2 KOs): From Cairns, Queensland. Aggressive fighter with a strong Muay Thai background (recent WBC Australian middleweight Muay Thai champion). Limited pro boxing experience but brings knockout power and toughness.
Recent Form
Wells: Riding a 5-fight win streak, rebounding strongly from 2023 losses.
Apr 2025: Split decision win vs. Andrei Mikhailovich
Sep 2024: Win vs. Apai Piutau Cook (earned Victorian super middleweight title)
Earlier 2024: Stoppage wins over Arnel Tinampay, Flin Makeham Showing improved composure and punching power at domestic level.
Smith: Active in Muay Thai but sparse in boxing. 2-1 pro record with both wins by KO, but stepping up significantly in opposition level.
Recent boxing: Wins over lower-level opponents via stoppage
Loss: To Jackson Griffiths (knocked down in defeat) Strong kicking background translates to leg attacks, but adapting to pure boxing rules.
Fight History No prior meetings. This is a step-up for Smith against a veteran on the rise.
Pre-Fight Notes Quiet buildup for this bout—no reported incidents at weigh-ins (unlike undercard drama elsewhere on the card). Both made weight comfortably.
FIGHT ODDS
Quinton Smith + 450
Blake Wells – 750
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Venue and Location The event takes place at the ICC Sydney Theatre (also referred to as TikTok Entertainment Centre) in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. This modern venue in Darling Harbour is known for hosting major combat sports events.
The card begins around 7:00 PM AEDT (Australian Eastern Daylight Time), with the main event expected later in the evening. International viewers: approximately 3:00 AM ET / 12:00 AM PT (same day) or 8:00 AM GMT.
Injury Report No injuries have been reported for either fighter heading into this bout. Both made weight successfully, though the weigh-in featured significant tension (detailed below).
Featured Matchup: Jason Fawcett vs. Marco Romeo (Welterweight, 10 Rounds) This undercard bout has generated extra buzz due to pre-fight drama. Australian welterweights clash with contrasting styles and momentum.
Jason Fawcett (11-2-0, 3 KOs): 25-year-old orthodox fighter from Woy Woy, NSW. Known as “Pac,” stands 5’7½” with solid aggression and volume punching.
Marco Romeo (8-0-0, ~4 KOs): Undefeated prospect from New South Wales, fighting under alias “Marco Todisco” earlier in career. Higher ranked (WBA regional #188 vs. Fawcett’s #248) with technical skill and power.
Recent Form
Fawcett: On a 4-fight win streak, showing resilience and improved defense.
Nov 2025: Win vs. Farrukh Arslonov
May 2025: Win vs. Alex Lual
Mar 2025: Win vs. Kohei Hatanaka
Sep 2024: Win vs. Allan Villanueva (overcame early knockdown) His two losses came earlier (2021-2023), and he’s rebuilt momentum with consistent activity.
Romeo: Perfect 8-0, building as a rising contender with regional title experience (previously contested Australasian welterweight belt). His undefeated run includes steady stoppages and decisions against
Fight History No prior meetings. This is a fresh matchup between an experienced veteran on an upswing (Fawcett) and an undefeated prospect (Romeo).
Pre-Fight Drama The weigh-in escalated when Fawcett slapped Romeo during the face-off, sparking chaos and adding personal animosity. This incident has hyped the fight significantly.
FIGHT ODDS
Marco Romero – 230
Jason Fawcett + 185
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Venue Location: ICC Sydney Theatre (branded as TikTok Entertainment Centre for this event), Darling Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. A state-of-the-art intimate theatre known for hosting high-energy combat sports with premium viewing from all seats.
Undercard begins around 5-6 PM AEDT (Australian Eastern Daylight Time), with the main card progressing later. Sparks vs. Sette is an early undercard bout (4 rounds), expected around 6-7 PM AEDT.I
Injury Report: No injuries reported across the card. Both fighters made weight comfortably: Sette at ~69.7 kg, Sparks at ~69.5 kg. All systems go.
Focus Bout: Kya Sparks vs. Isaias Sette
Kya “Hurrikaine” Sparks (3-0-0, 3 KOs) The exciting Sydney-based prospect has burst onto the pro scene with a perfect record and 100% knockout rate since debuting in 2024. Known for explosive power and aggression:
Recent wins all by stoppage, including highlight-reel KOs in short order.
Building hype as a fast-rising welterweight with amateur background and finishing ability. At a young age, Sparks looks to make a statement against more seasoned opposition.
Isaias Sette (4-3-1, ~2 KOs) The 21-year-old orthodox fighter from Sydney brings valuable experience with 8 pro bouts since 2022. Durable and competitive in domestic scenes:
Recent form: Win over Brent Walton by unanimous decision; mixed results but tough outings against solid foes.
Strengths: Ring IQ, volume punching, and ability to go rounds. Sette aims to spoil the prospect’s streak with veteran savvy.
Fight History: First meeting between the undefeated prospect and the experienced journeyman. No prior H2H.
FIGHT ODDS
Kya Sparks + 250
Isaias Sette – 330
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Indigo at The O2, Greenwich Peninsula, London, United Kingdom. This intimate 2,800-capacity venue inside The O2 complex is a popular spot for up-and-coming fight nights, offering close-up action and electric atmosphere.
Main card begins at 7:00 PM GMT (2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT), streamed live worldwide on DAZN. Ring walks for Ayton vs. Vaz De Moraes expected mid-card, around 8-9 PM GMT.
Injury Report:
No injuries reported. Both fighters successfully made weight at yesterday’s weigh-in: Ayton at 120.4 lbs, Vaz De Moraes at 118.4 lbs. All clear for the bout.
Focus Bout: Tiah Mai Ayton vs. Ana Karla Vaz De Moraes
Tiah Mai Ayton (3-0-0, 3 KOs) The 19-year-old from Bristol, England, is one of women’s boxing’s most hyped prospects. A decorated amateur (2024 World Boxing U19 gold medalist, multiple national titles), Ayton turned pro under Matchroom and has demolished opponents:
All three pro wins by knockout, showcasing elite speed, power, and footwork.
Recent activity: Back-to-back stoppages in 2025, earning praise from stars like Katie Taylor. At just 19, she’s aiming for rapid ascent and has talked about becoming the youngest undisputed champion ever.
Ana Karla Vaz De Moraes (7-1-0, ~3 KOs) The 35-year-old Brazilian brings veteran experience with over eight pro fights since 2021. Orthodox stance, durable, and battle-tested against regional opposition:
Recent form: On a win streak after an early career loss, with decisions and stoppages.
Strengths: Experience in longer fights, ability to absorb pressure. She’s stepping up significantly here as a durable opponent to test Ayton’s progression.
Fight History: This is the first meeting between the English phenom and the Brazilian journeyman. No prior head-to-head.
FIGHT ODDS
Ana Karla Vaz De Moraes + 1900
Tiah Mai Ayton – 5000
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Venue Location: ICC Sydney Theatre (branded as TikTok Entertainment Centre for this event), Darling Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. This modern arena is a premier venue for combat sports in Australia, known for excellent sightlines and atmosphere.
Ringside view inside ICC Sydney during a previous major boxing event.
Starting Time: The event begins in the early evening AEDT (Australian Eastern Daylight Time), with undercard bouts starting around 5-6 PM local time and the main card progressing into the night. Exact ring walk for Peters vs. Beekin is TBD but expected mid-card (approximately 8-9 PM AEDT).
Injury Report: No injuries reported for either fighter or others on the card. Both Peters and Beekin are confirmed fit and ready.
Key Fighter Matchups on the Card:
Australia).Focus Bout:Callum Peters vs. Cody Beekin
Callum Peters (5-0-0, 3 KOs) The 23-year-old Adelaide native is one of Australia’s hottest prospects. A standout amateur (2022 Commonwealth Games silver medalist, 2024 Olympian), Peters turned pro with explosive results. His power and aggression shine in recent performances:
July 30, 2025: 1st-round KO over Marcus Heywood (85-second highlight-reel finish).
June 25, 2025: Stoppage win over Luca Lanigan. Peters brings speed, knockout ability (60% KO rate), and youthful momentum. He’s favored to continue his rise here.
Cody Beekin (8-2-0, 5 KOs) The orthodox stylist from Copacabana, New South Wales, offers more professional experience at age ~30s. Durable and skilled, Beekin has faced solid domestic competition but carries two losses.
Recent form: Last fought April 5, 2025 (outcome not widely detailed in recent reports, but he’s active and tough). Beekin aims to play spoiler with counterpunching and ring IQ, especially if this is a title opportunity.
Fight History: This is the first meeting between the two Australian middleweights. No prior H2H.
FIGHT ODDS
Cody Beekin + 1200
Callum Peters – 2400
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Matchroom Boxing closes its 2025 domestic calendar with a festive lightweight headliner as undefeated prodigy Giorgio “The Prodigy” Visioli makes his first pro main event against gritty contender Joe “Wigan Warrior” Howarth in a final eliminator for the vacant English lightweight title. At 22, the highly-touted Visioli (9-0, 6 KOs) brings elite amateur credentials and explosive finishing power, fresh off a successful U.S. debut, aiming to cap a breakout year with a signature win. Howarth (14-1, 4 KOs), the 23-year-old from Wigan managed by heavyweight fan-favorite Dave Allen, rides a seven-fight win streak and relishes the underdog role to spoil the party. This Indigo clash tests Visioli’s hype against Howarth’s resilience: expect the favorite’s sharp combos to shine early, but the challenger’s durability could force a fan-friendly scrap in London’s holiday atmosphere.
Venue
Location: Indigo at The O2, London, England (premium 2,500-seat theater inside the iconic O2 arena, renowned for intimate vibes, superior sightlines, and hosting Matchroom’s NXTGEN prospect showcases)
Start Time: Doors open at 4:30 p.m. GMT; first bout ~6:00 p.m. GMT; main card ~7:00 p.m. GMT; Visioli vs. Howarth ringwalk ~10:00 p.m. GMT (5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT)
Broadcast: DAZN (worldwide live stream, included in subscription); replays on Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel
The Indigo’s cozy setup amplifies crowd energy for this pre-Christmas cracker, co-featuring John Hedges vs. Ellis Zorro (English cruiserweight title) and prospects like Tiah Mai Ayton and Adam Maca. Tense Monday face-off at Repton BC (Visioli’s amateur gym) set the tone—frosty stares and confident barbs.
Fighter Records
Visioli’s flawless pro run screams future star, while Howarth’s deeper resume offers tested grit at 135 lbs.
Fighter
Record
KOs
Age
Stance
Height/Reach
From
Giorgio Visioli
9-0-0
6
22
Orthodox
5’8″ / 68″
Aldershot, England
Joe Howarth
14-1-0
4
23
Orthodox
N/A / N/A
Wigan, England
Both expected at 135 lbs limit. Visioli’s 67% KO rate highlights finishing instinct; Howarth’s 27% emphasizes volume in decisions (10-1 in points fights).
Recent Form
Visioli has accelerated in 2025 with five fights, blending stoppages and boxing masterclasses. Last outings show maturity beyond his 22 years, averaging 52 punches/round at 46% connect.
Last 5 Fights (Visioli): W (UD 8 vs. James Wilkins, Oct. 11, 2025, Philadelphia—U.S. debut), W (stoppage earlier 2025), W (PTS), W (KO), W (KO). Form: WWWWW; Wilkins UD (outlanded opponent heavily) proved poise under bright lights.
Howarth rebuilt post-2023 loss with seven straight, active in 2025 (four fights). Emphasizes patient boxing, 43% connect but strong late rounds.
Last 5 Fights (Howarth): W (PTS vs. Karl Sampson, Oct. 2025), W (three prior in 2025), etc. Form: Seven-win streak; Sampson decision showcased improved jab and ring generalship.
Visioli’s U.S. trip adds polish; Howarth’s activity keeps him sharp, but step-up in class looms. Models favor Visioli 80%+ via superior skillset.
Injury Report
Both fighters fully cleared with no issues reported as of December 15, 2025 (British Boxing Board of Control and Matchroom updates). Visioli’s camp uninterrupted post-Wilkins; Howarth injury-free under Dave Allen’s guidance.
Orthodox vs. orthodox at lightweight: Visioli’s sharp combos and footwork vs. Howarth’s durable pressure. 10 rounds suit the favorite’s conditioning; challenger’s streak thrives in trenches.
Power Precision: Visioli’s Combos vs. Howarth’s Volume — Visioli lands 47% power (6 KOs via hooks), dissecting Wilkins. Howarth marches forward (Sampson: outworked late), but unproven vs. elite speed. Edge: Visioli.
Footwork Range: Visioli’s Angles vs. Howarth’s Advances — Visioli pivots from Repton amateur days, setting traps. Howarth linear but relentless—vulnerable to counters. Edge: Visioli.
SAN FRANCISCO – The Giants have agreed to a one‑year Major League contract with right‑handed reliever Jason Foley, the club announced today.
Foley, 30, missed most of the 2025 season after undergoing right shoulder surgery in May to repair his anterior capsule, a procedure performed by Dr. Keith Meister. He is expected to return to the mound around mid‑season in 2026.
A native of Manhasset, N.Y., Foley spent his first four Major League seasons (2021–24) with Detroit, posting a 7–9 record, 3.16 ERA (70 ER in 199.2 IP), 35 saves, 150 strikeouts, and a 1.24 WHIP across 210 appearances.
Foley was one of the American League’s most reliable relievers in 2024, finishing fifth in the AL with 28 saves and tying for 12th in appearances (69). After the All‑Star break, he delivered a 2.70 ERA (8 ER in 26.2 IP) and held opponents to a .179 batting average, helping the Tigers secure a postseason berth.
In 2023, the Sacred Heart University product tied for 10th in the AL in games pitched (70), and his 1.6 FanGraphs WAR ranked sixth among AL relievers.
From 2022–24, Foley’s 189.1 innings were the fifth‑most among AL relievers, and his combined 75 saves plus holds ranked 10th in the league over that span.
The co-main event on Matchroom Boxing’s stacked London card delivers a domestic cruiserweight thriller as undefeated English champion John “The Gentleman” Hedges defends his national strap against seasoned contender Ellis Zorro in a 10-round title bout that could catapult the winner into European contention. At 23, the towering southpaw Hedges (11-0, 3 KOs) enters as the blue-chip prospect, his lanky frame and amateur pedigree (40-4 with 7 international golds) fueling hype for a statement defense after claiming gold in May. Zorro (18-3, 7 KOs), the 33-year-old orthodox veteran from Bromley, rebounds from a controversial July loss, wielding experience from British title challenges and a gritty style that tests unproven chins. This Indigo showdown—under the Giorgio Visioli vs. Joe Howarth headliner—pits Hedges’ reach and youth against Zorro’s volume and savvy: expect the champ’s jab to control range early, but the challenger’s pressure could spark mid-round fireworks in a fight ripe for Hedges’ coming-out party.
Venue
Location: Indigo at The O2, London, England (intimate 2,500-capacity theater within the iconic O2 complex, known for its electric atmosphere, premium seating, and history of hosting Matchroom’s rising stars like Anthony Joshua’s early defenses)
Start Time: Doors open at 5:00 p.m. GMT; first bout ~6:00 p.m. GMT; main card ~7:00 p.m. GMT; Hedges vs. Zorro ringwalk ~9:00 p.m. GMT (4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT)
Broadcast: DAZN (global live stream, exclusive in UK/US); TNT Sports (UK TV); replays on YouTube via Matchroom Boxing channel
Indigo’s compact setup—LED-lit ring and thumping sound system—amps the intimacy for this Matchroom PPV (bundled with Visioli-Howarth), drawing 2,000+ for a card also featuring Tiah Mai Ayton vs. Leli Buttigieg (lightweight) and prospects like Adam Maca and Connor Mitchell. Weigh-ins Tuesday at The O2 sparked a heated staredown, with Hedges towering over Zorro.
Fighter Records
Hedges’ flawless run highlights prospect polish, while Zorro’s ledger reflects hard-fought wars in the 200-lb division.
Fighter
Record
KOs
Age
Stance
Height/Reach
From
John Hedges
11-0-0
3
23
Southpaw
6’6″ / N/A
Takeley, Essex, UK
Ellis Zorro
18-3-0
7
33
Orthodox
6’2″ / 75″
Bromley, Kent, UK
Both hit the scales at 199 lbs Tuesday. Hedges’ 27% KO rate emphasizes decisions (8-0 in points bouts), contrasting Zorro’s 39% finishing clip amid 95 pro rounds.
Recent Form
Hedges has methodically built his resume since his 2020 debut, going 4-0 in 2025 with escalating competition and titles. His last five: WWWWW, averaging 48 punches thrown per round at 45% accuracy, with a patient jab (38 connects/round) dictating pace.
Last 5 Fights (Hedges): W (TD vs. Lewis Oakford, Jul. 24, 2025, York Hall—Southern Area title win, doctor stoppage after cut), W (UD vs. Nathan Quarless, May 25, 2025, Copper Box Arena—won English cruiserweight title, triple 99-91), W (TKO R2 vs. Erdogan Kadrija, Feb. 24, 2025, Indigo at The O2), W (UD vs. opponent TBD, Nov. 2024), W (UD, Aug. 2024). Form: Surging; Quarless win (outlanded 162-98) showcased southpaw angles, no damage absorbed in last three.
Zorro, a 2017 pro, hit a rough patch in 2024-25 with title heartbreaks but notched a tune-up win. Last five: WLWLW, 42% connect rate but vulnerable to cuts (absorbs 35 shots/round).
Last 5 Fights (Zorro): L (UD 10 vs. Aloys Youmbi, Jul. 25, 2025, Bournemouth International Centre—WBC International, controversial 96-94 cards), W (PTS 6 vs. Viktar Chvarkou, Apr. 17, 2025, Maidstone—tune-up), L (KO R8 vs. Cheavon Clarke, May 25, 2024, First Direct Arena—British title loss), L (UD 12 vs. Moses Joseph, Oct. 2023), W (TKO R7 vs. opponent TBD, Jun. 2023). Form: Inconsistent; Youmbi loss (down once, out-jabbed 112-89) raised questions, but Chvarkou PTS rebuilt momentum.
Hedges’ seven-month layoff post-Quarless allows sharpening under trainer Frank Greaves; Zorro’s activity (three fights in 2025) keeps rust off, but a five-inch height deficit looms.
Injury Report
Both contenders are fully cleared with no reported setbacks as of December 16, 2025 (British Boxing Board of Control updates). Hedges’ July cut vs. Oakford healed fully (no scar tissue issues per medicals); his amateur-heavy camp was uninterrupted. Zorro overcame a minor hand wrap tweak from Youmbi prep but passed all scans—history includes a 2024 Clarke KO (cleared post-hospital, no lingering effects).
Fighter
Status
Details
John Hedges
Available
Cleared; Oakford cut resolved, pristine mitts at media day
Ellis Zorro
Available
Cleared; hand minor, full go post-Youmbi
Matchroom confirmed the title bout intact, with no undercard withdrawals impacting prep.
Key Fighter Matchups
Southpaw vs. orthodox in cruiserweight confines: Hedges’ elite reach and footwork vs. Zorro’s forward pressure and counters. 10 rounds favor the prospect’s conditioning; Zorro’s experience could force clinches.
Jab and Range: Hedges’ Southpaw Poke vs. Zorro’s Volume: Hedges’ 6’6″ frame jabs from distance (Quarless: 62 connects), slipping 48% of returns. Zorro advances with combos (42% power connect vs. Chvarkou), but height gap exposes him to angles. Edge: Hedges (distance control).
Footwork Pressure: Hedges’ Circles vs. Zorro’s Marches: Hedges pivots like his European golds, cutting rings (Kadrija TKO via traps). Zorro herds linearly (Youmbi: pinned 55% time), but slips 45% and tires post-R5. Edge: Hedges (evasion).
Defense Durability: Hedges’ Absorb vs. Zorro’s Chin: Undefeated Hedges absorbs 26 punches/round, untested deep but granite from amateurs. Zorro’s 95 rounds include two KOs (both cuts), holding firm but cracked in losses. Edge: Zorro (battle-tested).
Inside Game: Shared Heights?: Hedges’ uppercuts in clinches (27% KO via them); Zorro body hooks drain but lacks pop against taller foes. Edge: Hedges.
Fight History
First pro clash—no amateur or sparring overlap. Hedges 3-0 in 10-rounders (2 UDs); Zorro 8-2, with 4 title shots via decision. Trends: Hedges 11-0 as favorite (avg. +4 rounds); Zorro 5-2 as challenger but 3 KOs vs. prospects. Mild tension at weigh-ins—Zorro called Hedges “overhyped giant”; retort: “Gentleman’s time to school you.”
FIGHT ODDS
John Hedges – 500
Ellis Zorro + 300
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 16, 2025
The Kansas City Royals announced today that they have signed infielder Maikel Garcia to a five‑year contract extension running through the 2030 season, with a club option for 2031. The agreement covers what would have been Garcia’s first four arbitration years as well as his initial year of free agency.
Garcia, 25, delivered a breakout 2025 campaign, earning his first All‑Star selection, his first Rawlings Gold Glove Award, and recognition as a finalist for the Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award at the Utility position.
He set career highs across nearly every major offensive category, including games played (160), hits (170), doubles (39), home runs (16), RBI (74), on‑base percentage (.351), slugging percentage (.449), and OPS (.800).
In 2025, Garcia became the first third baseman in Royals history (minimum 75% of games at the position) to record at least 15 home runs and 20 stolen bases in a season. Only two Major Leaguers accomplished the feat this year — Garcia and Cleveland’s José Ramírez (30 HR, 44 SB).
Among American League leaders in 2025, Garcia ranked:
5th in doubles
T‑5th in triples (5)
T‑7th in hits
9th in batting average (.286)
T‑15th in stolen bases His 50 multi‑hit games were tied for sixth‑most in the AL.
Defensively, Garcia was one of the league’s elite performers. He became just the second Royals third baseman ever to win a Gold Glove, joining George Brett (1985). He finished 4th in the AL with 17 Outs Above Average, and his 18 OAA at third base led all players at the position, per Baseball Savant.
Among AL third basemen, Garcia ranked:
1st in total chances (346)
1st in putouts (105)
1st in fielding percentage (.980) He committed only seven errors all season — the fewest among AL third basemen with at least 125 starts — and made just one error over his final 75 games.
A native of La Sabana, Venezuela, Garcia signed with Kansas City as an international free agent in July 2016 and debuted on July 15, 2022. Over parts of four Major League seasons, he has appeared in 449 games, and his +.055 jump in batting average from 2024 to 2025 ranked as the fifth‑largest improvement in MLB.
