It’s fair to say that 2024 has been a prosperous year for Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.
In February, amidst a significant overhaul of the Royals’ roster during the offseason, Witt inked the largest contract in club history—securing 11 years at a value of $288.7 million. The Royals have notably improved, boasting a 34-21 record as they entered Tuesday’s matchup against the Twins. Last year, the Royals didn’t secure their 34th win until August.
Witt has had a stellar season, steering clear of the slow starts that had previously plagued his early MLB career. He’s currently batting .309 with a .570 slugging percentage, nine home runs, 36 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases.
Adding to his accolades, Witt was named the latest AL Player of the Week by MLB on Tuesday. This marks his first such honor and makes him the first Royals player to receive the award in nearly two years. The last KC player to be selected was Vinnie Pasquantino during August 8-14, 2022.
During the past week’s six games, Witt maintained an impressive .385 batting average (10-for-26), hitting four home runs and driving in 11 RBIs. He tied Aaron Judge for the most total bases (24) in MLB during that period, as per a Royals release.
Among these games was a standout performance on May 21, where Witt smashed the longest home run of his career—a 468-foot three-run blast. He hit two homers in that particular game.
Currently, the Royals are engaged in a four-game series against the Twins in Minnesota.
