Bobby Witt Jr. and the Kansas City Royals have reached a monumental agreement on an 11-year, $288.8 million contract extension. This significant deal ensures the young star’s commitment to the Royals as they embark on rebuilding their team and potentially a new stadium with Witt as a central figure. The timing couldn’t be more pivotal, coinciding with a week that will end in the Chiefs playing San Francisco in the Super Bowl.
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/NW9qdaeXKL
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) February 5, 2024
The Royals have endured a challenging few years, with a dismal record of 106 losses last season and no finish above .500 since 2015. However, this winter has seen a concerted effort to reignite excitement among fans.
This substantial contract reflects the Royals’ unwavering faith in Witt’s abilities. Last season showcased his remarkable progress in various aspects of his game. Witt managed to reduce his strikeout rate to 17.4% while modestly increasing his walk rate to 5.8%. His impressive home run count surged from 20 to 30, and he also upped his stolen base tally to 49. With a batting line of .276/.319/.495, Witt boasted a wRC+ of 115, indicating his performance was 15% better than the league average at the plate.
Securing Witt’s long-term commitment was the Royals’ top priority throughout the offseason. This deal comes just two months before a crucial ballot referendum in Jackson County, Missouri, seeking to extend a three-eighths-of-a-cent tax. The extension would help fund a new downtown Kansas City stadium for the Royals and renovations for the Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium.
Witt’s trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. In his first full season in 2021, he swiftly ascended to Triple-A and earned unanimous recognition as the minor league player of the year. His big-league debut on Opening Day in 2022 drew significant attention, with Kansas City luminaries, including George Brett and Quinton Lucas, turning out to witness Witt’s arrival on the scene.
Remarkably, only two other players besides Witt have achieved 50 homers and 50 steals in their first two seasons: Julio Rodríguez and Ronald Acuña Jr. This sets the stage for an intriguing rivalry between Witt and Rodríguez, potentially vying for the title of the best player in the American League for the next decade.
🚨Bobby Witt Jr. INSIDE-THE-PARK HOME RUN! 🚨 pic.twitter.com/oxPOnmvNhr
— MLB (@MLB) August 15, 2023
Several teams’ internal projection systems have identified Witt as one of the top 10 players in baseball, foreseeing MVP-caliber seasons in his future. Witt himself has expressed his desire to remain with the Royals for the long haul, citing his dedication to the team’s success. With fans rallying behind him, Witt’s commitment signifies a bright future for the Royals.
