Bobby Witt Jr., the shortstop for the Royals, was a dark horse before into the season, but he could be the MVP in the City of Fountains. Yes, he was outstanding in the second half of 2023, but I doubt anyone predicted he would improve this quickly. Witt has witnessed a slash in his age-24 season.352/.400/.621 with a 176 wRC+, 25 home runs, and 25 stolen bases. It is presently the second-best season by a position player in franchise history according to wRC+. George Brett was the only one to score higher. He was named MVP and concluded the 1980 season with a 198 wRC+.
The sensational shortstop for Kansas City has an impact that goes beyond the box score and standings. This past summer, Witt Jr. signed an 11-year, $288.7 million contract extension with the Royals. With player opt-outs in the back part of the agreement, it ties him to Kansas City for at least seven seasons and helps secure his near future. Top talents Blake Mitchell and Jac Caglianone might make it to the major leagues and play alongside Witt for many years if free agency doesn’t approach in 2028. Although the full effect has not yet been felt, his celebrity status will undoubtedly aid the team in luring superior free agents.
Additionally, there are the more ethereal effects. Witt has a great chance of becoming Major League Baseball’s face. Consider the impact Patrick Mahomes has had on the city and the Chiefs franchise. It would be enormous if Witt could accomplish even half of that for the Royals. In the upcoming years, jersey sales, greater broadcast income, and more nationally televised games all appear possible. Witt will probably have an immediate effect on the Royals draft class as well.
Despite signing an extension this offseason, Witt is still qualified for this season’s incentive draft picks. A player forfeits his PPI eligibility if he signs an extension before making his major league debut. They are still qualified if the extension is granted following his major league debut (as was the case with Corbin Caroll and Witt previous season). It appeared before the season that Witt had a longer shot at being considered for the MVP award. As of mid-August, Witt, Aaron Judge, and Juan Soto appear to be the front-runners for AL MVP. Witt would have to experience a significant decline in output during the last month of the season in order to be excluded from that discussion.
