The Royals have made plenty of performances on the field in 2026, as they didn’t expect the season to travel. They finished tied for seventh in Outs Above Average with a +19 in baseball, with Bobby Witt Jr standing as a likely Gold Glove candidate, Michael Massey, Maikel Garcia, and Kyle Isbel also standing.
From anxious catches to jumping catches and game-saving shots, there were many moments that reminded us just how much fun great defense can be. Here are the Royals’ best defensive plays in 2016.
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May 5 vs. Guardians – Gaius goes deep into the pit
We’ve become almost immune to how much Bobby is on defense now. The 2025 Platinum Glove Award winner has shown why he’s the best in baseball a few times this year, including this play in May where he went DEEEEEP in the slot as Cleveland’s Rhys Hoskins.
May 31 vs. Rangers – Carter Jensen draft slip
Carter Jensen impressed in his rookie year, and is likely to earn some support for Rookie of the Year. Most of the damage was done with his bat, but he had some defensive highlights behind the plate as well. On May 9th, May 31st, he put on a show of his athleticism with a terrific slide catch attempt by Rangers outfielder Michael Helman.
June 19 vs. Cardinals – Massey flips to Tolbert
Even with Bobby Witt Jr. On the off chance that the day takes off, the Royals can still shine in the middle of the leather. Tyler Tolbert was in Bobby’s studies, and learned a lot from watching the maestro. In June he teamed up with Michael Massey, who made a serious stop at Tolbert for the draw.
July 28 vs
The Royals clung to a lead in the ninth against the Twins in a late July game when Luke Keaschall drove a line drive into left field. Isaac Collins went all out to capture and maintain the lead.
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Alex Lange game anyway (shocker!). But Collins did his part!
August 8 vs. Cubs – Bobby jump throw
Remember Derek Jeter’s iconic jump shot? Well Bobby Witt Jr. he can do that too, only Bobby actually covers a ton of ground from there. He showed his athleticism in an August game against the Cubs, going deep in the dugout to retire Alex Bregman.
August 15 vs. Angels – Tyler Tolbert full extension
Tyler Tolbert has shown something this year, from speed, to surprising power, to highlight defense. In August’s game against the Angels, he was in centerfield and robbed Denzer Guzman of the extra bases.