Reaching the Major League requires perseverance and sacrifice. The amount of blood, sweat, and tears is something that every big leaguer has gladly exchanged to reach that highest level. Some are blessed to have had a short trip out of high school, others have had a longer road through not only the minor leagues but played college baseball as well.
A player who had that long road is Tyler Tolbert of the Kansas City Royals. Tolbert didn’t make his debut until he was 27 years old and is still trying to find his niche with the organization that drafted him.
Tolbert played collegiately for the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Despite playing two seasons at UAB, he wasn’t chosen until the 13th round of the 2019 MLB draft by the Royals. A player in his position usually is placed in a sink-or-swim situation because there really isn’t any draft hype surrounding him.
He swam at two minor league levels in his first pro season. Hitting .382 in the Pioneer League and being perfect on the stolen base paths in 26 attempts in the Arizona League, which certainly appealed to the organization.
Tolbert Swipes Bases At High Rate
After losing a year of development in 2020 due to COVID-19, he remained on an upward trajectory, stealing 55 bases in the 2021 season. In 2022, the Royals really found out what tools and makeup Tolbert has. They hoped to see his average climb while also cutting down on the number of strikeouts. That can be taught, but the fact that he stole 60 bases that season without being caught is something that Kansas City couldn’t ignore.
For the second consecutive season, Tolbert played at just one level. The 2023 season was spent at Double-A. This stint produced career-highs in multiple power categories and also posted a .276 batting average.
At 25, Tolbert was older than most Double-A players. He continued to flash terrific speed as he also swiped 50 bases. Versatility is another tool that Tolbert has used on his way to the Major Leagues. With Triple A Omaha, he played infield and outfield. His track record of being an excellent baserunner is why the Royals promoted him to the big leagues in 2025. T
Royals Manager Matt Quataro Says Tolbert Adds Multiple Value To Team
Tolbert hit .280 in limited action, but the defensive versatility and 21 stolen bases are also what kept him in a Major League uniform rather than a minor league uniform.
While it’s important to have solid statistics, the Royals seem to have a plan for him.
“It’s always a good feeling to have him as a pinch runner or have him as a safety blanket, a guy that can play multiple positions in case of need,” Royals manager Matt Quataro told the Kansas City Star newspaper about Tolbert’s value. “I know what my role is on this team and what I’m being asked to do.”
The Alabama native has truly worked his way up the ladder and has to stay mentally prepared to play the infield or outfield at a moment’s notice. He recently took the mound in a blowout loss to the New York Yankees, so he has now played five different positions for the Royals this season. Kansas City has been struggling this year, but if Tolbert can increase his on-base percentage, there could be a small case for him to crack the starting lineup on occasion.
