On February 5, the Kansas City Royals and shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. agreed to a massive extension. At the young age of 23, Witt has inked himself a superstar deal. In a deal that breaks the Royals franchise record for biggest signing, Witt and Kansas City agreed to a 14-year extension. The $288.7 million deal will solidify Witt as the premier star in Kansas City for a long time. The deal includes opt-outs for the player after the seventh year and each consecutive year until year ten. If Witt stays, the Royals can extend him three more years after the 11th year. The extension at the end would be three years, $89 million.
Bobby Witt Jr.
Bobby Witt Jr. was the second overall pick in the 2019 draft and has already made himself a renowned name in baseball. Last season, records came for the 23-year-old. Witt posted a .276 AVG, .319 OBP, and .813 OPS. He recorded 30 home runs and 49 stolen bases, marking the first 30-30 season in Royals history. Witt also hit an MLB-leading 11 triples in 2023. His impressive speed has notched him as one of the best around the bases. Witt finished seventh in AL MVP voting, an impressive finish for the young star. His 2023 highlights include his inside-the-park homerun against the Seattle Mariners and his walk-off grand slam against the Minnesota Twins.
I am incredibly grateful to the Sherman family and the Royals front office for believing in me, and I promise to do everything in my power to help bring championship baseball back to Kansas City! Let’s go!! https://t.co/DG7Dvk4k0Y
— Bobby Witt Jr (@BwittJr) February 5, 2024
Kansas City Royals
The Royals look to ascend back to their 2015 paradise one day. Retaining a franchise-caliber star for years is a good start. They haven’t enjoyed a winning season since their 2015 World Series-winning campaign, and the front office hopes to do so this season. The Royals have added key pieces in Hunter Renfroe, Garrett Hampson, Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Adam Frazier, and Will Smith through free agency. Additionally, they purchased reliever Nick Anderson‘s contract, solidifying major league veterans for the upcoming 2024 season.
In 2023, the Royals lost 106 games, which tied a franchise record. The AL Central should be another open race this season. Although the Royals are a longshot, the front office looks to make noise in the race for the division. Locking down their franchise player for the future is a great way to start.
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