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Bobby Witt Jr.

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Bobby Witt Jr.
Witt with the Kansas City Royals in 2023
Kansas City Royals – No. 7
Shortstop
Born: (2000-06-14) June 14, 2000 (age 24)
Colleyville, Texas, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
April 7, 2022, for the Kansas City Royals
MLB statistics
(through 2024 season)
Batting average.288
Hits538
Home runs82
Runs batted in285
Stolen bases110
Teams
Career highlights and awards
Medals
Men's baseball
Representing the  United States
World Baseball Classic
Silver medal – second place 2023 Miami Team
COPABE U-18 Pan-American Championship
Gold medal – first place 2018 Panama Team

Robert Andrew Witt Jr. (born June 14, 2000) is an American professional baseball shortstop for the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball (MLB). The Royals selected him second overall in the 2019 MLB draft and he made his MLB debut in 2022. Witt was named to his first All-Star Game in 2024.

Witt is the only shortstop in MLB history to have achieved two 30–30 seasons (30 home runs and 30 stolen bases), having done so in 2023 and 2024.[1]

Amateur career

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Witt attended Colleyville Heritage High School in Colleyville, Texas.[2] As a junior in 2018, he batted .446 with 10 home runs.[3] That summer, he won the High School Home Run Derby at Nationals Park.[4] Later that summer, he played in the Under Armour All-America Baseball Game at Wrigley Field, where he hit a home run and was named team MVP,[5][6] as well as the Perfect Game All-American Classic at Petco Park.[7] In his senior season in 2019, he was named the Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year after batting .515 with 15 home runs, 54 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases.[8] He committed to play college baseball at the University of Oklahoma.[9]

Professional career

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Minor leagues

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Witt with Omaha in 2021

Witt was one of the top prospects for the 2019 Major League Baseball draft.[10][11] He was selected by the Kansas City Royals with the second overall pick.[12] Forgoing his commitment to Oklahoma, he signed with the Royals for $7.79 million and made his professional debut at the end of June with the Rookie-level Arizona League Royals.[13][14] In 37 games over two months, he batted .262/.317/.354 with one home run, 27 RBIs, and nine stolen bases in 10 attempts.[15]

Witt did not play a minor league game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.[16] He participated in the Royals alternate site training, impressing Royals leadership.[17] He began the 2021 season with the Double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals.[18] In June, he was selected to play in the All-Star Futures Game at Coors Field.[19] After batting .292/.369/.570 with 16 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases over 60 games, he was promoted in July to the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers.[20] Over 62 games with Omaha, Witt slashed .285/.352/.581 with 17 home runs, 46 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases.[21] He was awarded both the USA Today Minor League Player of the Year Award and the Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award.[22][23]

Witt in 2022

Kansas City Royals

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2022: Rookie season
[edit]

Witt began practicing at third base during the 2022 spring training.[24] On April 5, the Royals announced that Witt had made their Opening Day roster.[25] He made his MLB debut on Opening Day on April 7 as the Royals' starting third baseman, with Adalberto Mondesi starting shortstop, Witt's usual position.[26] Witt hit his first major league home run on May 3 against the St. Louis Cardinals.[27] In mid-May, Witt became the Royals starting shortstop, following an injury to Mondesi.[28][29] Against the Detroit Tigers on September 3, Witt hit his 20th home run, making him the fifth player in MLB history to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases in their first season.[30]

In 2022, Witt batted .254/.294/.428 in 591 at bats, with 80 RBIs, 6 triples (4th in the AL), 20 home runs, 82 runs scored, and 30 steals (4th) in 37 attempts. He was the 10th-youngest player in the AL.[31] He tied with Trea Turner for the fastest sprint speed in the majors among qualified batters, at 30.3 feet per second.[32] He finished fourth in American League Rookie of the Year voting.[33]

2023: First 30–30 season
[edit]

In 2023, Witt batted .276/.319/.495 with 30 home runs, 96 RBIs, and a league-leading 49 stolen bases.[34] He led the major leagues with 11 triples and became the first player in MLB history to have 30 home runs, 10 triples, and 45 stolen bases in one season. He was also the first Royals player to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in a season.[35][36] He tied with Elly De La Cruz as the fastest player in baseball, according to Statcast.[37]

2024: Extension, awards, and playoffs
[edit]

On February 5, 2024, Witt signed an 11-year, $288.7 million contract extension with the Royals, the largest contract in franchise history. Witt can opt out of the contract after years seven, eight, nine, or ten, and the Royals can exercise a three-year option following the 11th season.[38][39] In 2024, Witt played in his first All-Star Game[31] and his first Home Run Derby, with his brother-in-law James Russell serving as his pitcher.[40] In August, Witt became the first player with 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in his first three MLB seasons, a feat matched by Julio Rodríguez in September.[41][42]

Witt led the major leagues in 2024 with a .332 batting average and had his second consecutive 30–30 season, hitting 32 home runs and stealing 31 bases.[43] Witt became the first shortstop in MLB history with multiple 30–30 seasons in his career, and the first player to do so back-to-back since Alfonso Soriano in 2005-2006.[44] Witt won his first Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards, the first shortstop to win both awards since Brandon Crawford in 2015.[45] He finished second in American League MVP voting behind Aaron Judge.[31] He continued to be the fastest runner in baseball.[46]

Witt played in his first MLB postseason after helping the Royals improve from losing 106 games in 2023 to winning 86 games in 2024.[47] He went 3-for-9 with 2 RBI in the Royals' two-game road sweep of the Baltimore Orioles in the Wild Card Series. However, the Royals wilted against the New York Yankees in the subsequent AL Division Series, losing three games to one, as Witt only hit two singles and drew one walk in 18 plate appearances.[48]

International career

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Witt has played for the United States national baseball team and its youth team in international baseball tournaments. He played for Team USA's U-18 team, helping the Americans win the 2018 U-18 Pan-American Championships, held in Panama City, Panama.[49][50]

Witt played for Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. He was the youngest player on the American roster and was primarily a pinch runner and defensive substitute.[51] He played in five games but only got three plate appearances, hitting a double, drawing a walk, and scoring twice.[52][53]

Personal life

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Witt's father, Bobby Witt, pitched for 16 MLB seasons. His father is his agent and works at Octagon Baseball.[54][55] Witt Jr. has three older sisters: Nikki, Kianna (who he calls “Kiki”) and Shaley, who all married MLB players.[56] His three brothers-in-law are James Russell, Zach Neal, and Cody Thomas.[57][40] Witt has said that his sisters, along with his mother Laurie, have been a major influence in his life and career. He calls them his "four moms" and says they have always pushed him to be his best and comforted him when he needed it.[58]

In June 2024, Whataburger signed an endorsement deal with Witt, Whataburger has numerous locations in Witt's home state of Texas and expanded into Kansas City and various other cities.[59][60][61]

On December 14, 2024, Witt married Maggie Black. The couple began dating in high school.[62] A pop-up replica of Whataburger rebranded as “Wittaburger”, was present at the wedding reception of Bobby Witt Jr. and his wife Maggie Black.[63][64][65]

References

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  1. ^ Rogers, Anne (September 17, 2024). "Witt makes history as 1st shortstop with two 30-30 seasons". MLB.com. Archived from the original on September 30, 2024. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  2. ^ Gosset, Brian (July 10, 2017). "Colleyville Heritage's Bobby Witt makes 18U National team trials". Fort Worth-Star Telegram. Retrieved May 15, 2019.
  3. ^ "From Witt To Witt". Baseball America. July 16, 2018. Retrieved May 15, 2019.
  4. ^ Melnick, Kyle (July 17, 2018). "Bobby Witt Jr. wins HS Home Run Derby". MLB.com. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
  5. ^ Gosset, Brian (July 20, 2018). "Local baseball star shines at Under Armour All-American game". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
  6. ^ Gosset, Brian (August 27, 2018). "Local phenom, a potential No. 1 MLB Draft pick, shines in showcase at Globe Life Park". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
  7. ^ Fraley, Gerry (September 2, 2018). "How Bobby Witt Jr., son of former Ranger, became the 2019 amateur draft's darling prospect after national showcase tour". Dallas News. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
  8. ^ "Texas Rangers legend surprises top high school player, Bobby Witt, with national award". Fort Worth-Star Telegram. May 29, 2019.
  9. ^ "Top prospect Bobby Witt Jr. might not make it to OU". The Oklahoman. June 12, 2018. Retrieved May 15, 2019.
  10. ^ "Prospect rankings 2019". MLB.com.
  11. ^ "Bobby Witt Jr Class of 2019 - Player Profile | Perfect Game USA". Perfect Game. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  12. ^ "Royals take SS Witt Jr. with second overall pick". MLB.com.
  13. ^ Newell, Jesse; McDowell, Sam (June 12, 2019). "Bobby Witt Jr., No. 2 overall pick in MLB Draft, signs with Royals for full slot value". The Kansas City Star.
  14. ^ "Bobby Witt Jr. 2019 Minor Leagues Game Logs & Splits". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  15. ^ "KC Royals: Top prospect rewind, infielder Bobby Witt Jr". December 27, 2019.
  16. ^ "2020 Minor League Baseball season canceled". MLB.com.
  17. ^ "Royals prospect report from alternate site". MLB.com. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  18. ^ "Royals top prospect headlines Naturals roster". 5newsonline.com. May 3, 2021.
  19. ^ "Futures Game rosters are STACKED". MLB.com.
  20. ^ "Royals promote Bobby Witt Jr., Nick Pratto to AAA". KSHB. July 19, 2021.
  21. ^ "Bobby Baseball: Royals prospect Bobby Witt Jr. named 2021 Minor League Player of the Year". October 4, 2021.
  22. ^ Birch, Tommy. "Royals prospect Bobby Witt Jr. wins Minor League Player of the Year award". USA TODAY.
  23. ^ Collazo, Carlos (October 4, 2021). "Bobby Witt Jr.: 2021 Minor League Player Of The Year". www.baseballamerica.com.
  24. ^ "Witt Jr. keeps wowing as Opening Day nears". MLB.com.
  25. ^ "No. 1 prospect Witt makes KC's Opening Day roster". MLB.com.
  26. ^ "No. 1 prospect Witt debuts vs. Guardians". MLB.com.
  27. ^ Rogers, Anne (May 4, 2022). "Witt Jr. golfs low pitch for 1st MLB home run". MLB.com.
  28. ^ Passan, Jeff (June 17, 2024). "Baseball's next superstar? Bobby Witt Jr.'s rise to MLB's top tier". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  29. ^ "Bobby Witt Jr. 2022 Batting Game Logs". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  30. ^ "Witt joins exclusive club in 'glimpse of what's to come'". MLB.com. Retrieved September 4, 2022.
  31. ^ a b c "Bobby Witt Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More". Baseball-Reference.com.
  32. ^ "Statcast Custom Leaderboards - 2022 Sprint Speed". Baseball Savant. Major League Baseball.
  33. ^ "2022 Awards Voting". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  34. ^ "Major League Leaderboards - 2023 - Batting". FanGraphs Baseball.
  35. ^ Rogers, Anne (September 30, 2023). "Witt becomes first Royal in 30-30 club: 'No one like him'". MLB.com. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  36. ^ Thompson, Jaylon (September 30, 2023). "Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. joins MLB's exclusive 30-30 club: how he did it". Kansas City Star. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  37. ^ "Statcast Custom Leaderboards". baseballsavant.com. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  38. ^ Axisa, Mike (February 5, 2024). "Bobby Witt Jr. contract extension: Royals star signs 11-year deal worth $288.7 million, per report". CBSSports.com. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  39. ^ "Bobby Witt Jr. | MLB Contracts & Salaries". Spotrac. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  40. ^ a b Thompson, Jaylen (July 14, 2024). "Years in the making: How Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. planned special Home Run Derby experience". The Kansas City Star. Archived from the original on July 14, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
  41. ^ Sarah Langs [@SlangsOnSports] (August 2, 2024). "Bobby Witt Jr. is the first player with 20+ HR & 20+ SB in each of his first 3 MLB seasons" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  42. ^ @BRWalkoff (September 25, 2024). "Julio Rodríguez becomes just the 2ND player in MLB history to go 20/20 in each of his first three seasons 🔱" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  43. ^ "Major League Leaderboards - 2024 - Batting". FanGraphs Baseball. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  44. ^ "30–30 Club : 30 Home Runs and 30 Stolen Bases in a Single MLB Season | Baseball Almanac". www.baseball-almanac.com. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  45. ^ "Silver and Gold Club: MLB Players who Won Silver Slugger and Gold Glove Same Season". Baseball Almanac. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  46. ^ "Statcast Sprint Speed Leaderboard". baseballsavant.com. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  47. ^ Rogers, Anne (September 28, 2024). "Royals 'cherish' going from 106 losses to improbable Wild Card berth". MLB.com. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  48. ^ "Bobby Witt Jr. 2024 Postseason Batting Game Logs". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  49. ^ "Potential No. 1 pick in MLB Draft, TCU signee help Team USA bring home gold". Fort Worth-Star Telegram. Retrieved May 15, 2019.
  50. ^ "Former U-18 Pan American Champion Bobby Witt Jr signs 11-year extension with Kansas City Royals". World Baseball Softball Confederation. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  51. ^ "Bobby Witt Jr. 'soaking it all in' as Team USA's youngest WBC player". USA Today. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
  52. ^ "World Baseball Classic Stats: United States". MLB.com. 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  53. ^ "Bobby Witt Jr. lines an RBI double to center field". MLB.com. March 12, 2023. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  54. ^ Morris, Ron (May 22, 2019). "Now An Agent, Bobby Witt Remains On The Players' Side". Baseball America. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
  55. ^ "Sources: Witt Jr., Royals agree to $288.8M deal". ESPN.com. February 5, 2024. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  56. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (August 18, 2024). "Bobby Witt Jr. shaped by the women in his family". MLB.com. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  57. ^ Rogers, Anne (August 24, 202). "Witt Jr. and brother-in-law Zach Neal meet in the Majors". MLB.com. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
  58. ^ "Witt's 'four moms' have been major force in his life, career". MLB.com. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
  59. ^ Grathoff, Pete (June 27, 2024). "Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. signs endorsement deal with Whataburger". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
  60. ^ "Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. signs deal with Whataburger". www.sportsbusinessjournal.com. June 28, 2024. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
  61. ^ Grathoff, Pete (June 27, 2024). "Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. signs endorsement deal with Whataburger". Yahoo! News. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
  62. ^ Clack, Erin (December 15, 2024). "MLB Star Bobby Witt Jr. Marries High School Sweetheart Maggie Black in Dallas: 'The Best Night of Our Lives' (Exclusive)". People.com. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
  63. ^ Bulger, Kellen (December 20, 2024). "Bobby Witt Jr.'s Dallas wedding reception featured this iconic Texas-based restaurant". Dallas News. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
  64. ^ "Whata-wedding? More like 'Wittaburger' wedding! DFW native, Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. has Whataburger themed reception". wfaa.com. December 20, 2024. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
  65. ^ Williams, Madison (December 19, 2024). "Royals Star Bobby Witt Jr. Included Popular Burger Chain at His Wedding". SI.com. Retrieved December 23, 2024.

Further reading

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