Bobby Witt Jr. is a bona fide star in the MLB. Those who watch baseball know his name — even those who live in the state of Missouri know his name. Witt is special, simple as that. Being a five-tool player at age 25 isn’t common, but Witt is anything but common. He’s already a two-time All-Star, Silver Slugger winner, Gold Glover and has placed second in MVP voting.
Witt was tasked with being the face of a franchise at 22 years old. He was called up in 2022, where he immediately put the league on notice by having his first 20/20 season of his career. He struggled defensively, ranking in the sixth percentile for fielding run value and dead last in range, being in the first percentile. Fans were patient with him, and he delivered.
Witt’s second year was much improved, as he would go on to have his first career 30/30 season — one of only four players to do so that season, joining fellow stars Ronald Acuña Jr., Julio Rodríguez and Francisco Lindor. Witt and Julio Rodriguez are tied for the most 20/20 seasons to start a career with four. Witt’s breakout season would be rewarded with an 11-year $288.8 million contract extension with the Royals.
Witt’s third season was his best season by far, leading the Royals to their first playoff appearance in nine seasons. He also led the league in hits and batting average, had his second 30/30 season, won a Gold Glove, finished as the runner-up in MVP voting and won a Silver Slugger and the batting title at just 24 years old.
High expectations were set, and reasonably so. Witt would have another strong campaign in his fifth season, once again leading the MLB in hits. He would also have another magical season with the glove, as his range ranks 100th in percentile. He also led all position players with +25 outs above average and led all MLB shortstops with a fielding run value of +20, making him the cream of the crop for a defensive shortstop. His production with the bat fell off slightly, batting .295 this year with only 23 home runs, making his batting average 37 points lower than last year and with nine fewer home runs.
Witt and the Royals are ready to make some noise again. With two of their four infielders being all-stars, the Royals are no stranger to big time players. With a rotation aiming to become healthier next year and consisting of three all-star caliber starters, it’s time for the Royals to start winning.
Witt Jr. has become the standard for Major League shortstops. His “down” years are career years for other players. He’s more than capable of bringing winning back to Royals baseball — look at his previous accolades, and it’s easy to see why.
