The offense wasn’t great at times, but they say defense doesn’t go through slumps. The Royals have some pretty terrific defenders and they made some spectacular plays this year. Here are the top defensive
plays of 2025.
April 24 – Drew Waters drew up a great catch
Remember Drew Waters? He got an opportunity in the outfield early in the year when MJ Melendez was sent down, but Waters struggled offensively and was inconsistent on defense. But he showed off his glove on this play against the Rockies, going into the corner at Kauffman to make a terrific catch.
May 12 – Houston, Massey has a double play
The defensive metrics have been all over the place for Massey, but he is pretty good at getting into the highlight reel with his glove. He showed off another web gem in a May game in Houston, making a diving stab to set up a double play.
June 3 – Kyle Isbel in the gap
Kyle Isbel plays because of his glove, and his glove is outstanding. He was sixth among all outfielders in Outs Above Average, helping to make the pitching staff look good. His best catch came in St. Louis, when he extended to catch a ball in the gap that was headed for extra bases.
June 5- Bobby Witt Jr. is Superman
I don’t know if this was a promotional tie-in for the Superman movie that came out this summer, but Bobby did his best Superman impression in a June game on national TV. Ivan Herrera of the Cardinals hit a line drive that Bobby speared for an out. I didn’t see a cape, but he’s been superhuman all season for the Royals.
June 22 – Jac Caglianone robs a home run
When Jac Caglianone first came up, there were a lot of questions on how he would handle a transition to right field. The former Florida Gators first baseman is much larger than your typical outfield, and while he has the arm for right field, his range was in doubt. But he showed he can get back just as well as anyone, robbing a home run in his first month in the big leagues in a game against the Padres.
August 21 – Michael Lorenzen is a pitcher who catches pop ups
Pitchers are NOT allowed to catch pop ups. At least, that’s been the policy of most teams for….reasons. But sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands, as Michael Lorenzen did on a foul pop up against the Rangers. Maikel Garcia had trouble picking the ball up in the sun, so Lorenzen showed off his athleticism and caught the ball. He has to lead the league in pop flies caught by a pitcher – give him the Gold Glove!
September 2 – Bobby Witt diving stop
Honestly, we could do a whole article of just Bobby Witt Jr. plays, but Bobby once again flew faster than a speeding bullet to make a play against the Angels. His diving stop was impressive enough, but his ability to get up quickly and fire an accurate throw is insanely amazing. Zach Neto can get down the bases, too, it’s not like Bobby threw out a catcher! There’s a reason why Bobby led all defenders in baseball in Outs Above Average and should be a favorite to win his first Platinum Glove.
