The Kansas City Royals made a big announcement on Monday that they’ve signed Bobby Witt Jr., making it the largest contract deal in the history of the franchise.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, this contract is worth a staggering $288.8 million spread over 11 years. Witt, known for his impressive skills as a shortstop coupled with power and speed on the bases, is considered one of the top young talents in baseball. This deal ensures that he’ll be staying with the Royals during what’s considered his prime playing years, all while enjoying a handsome paycheck.
This deal is noteworthy for its timing, occurring a year ahead of Witt’s eligibility for arbitration following the 2024 season.
At just 23 years old, Witt is heading into his third MLB season. Last year, he played 158 games and showcased his prowess with a batting average of .276, along with 30 home runs, 96 RBI, and 49 stolen bases. He even led the American League in triples with 11. Despite some initial defensive struggles as a rookie, Witt showed significant improvement in his second year, even lowering his strikeout rate substantially from his rookie season.
Passan also reports that Witt’s contract has some flexibility built in, with opt-out clauses for him in years seven through ten. Additionally, the Royals have an option to extend the contract by three years and $89 million after the 11th season, potentially bringing the total value of the deal to an eye-popping $377.8 million over 14 years.
Witt’s journey to this point has been remarkable—he was drafted by the Royals straight out of high school as the second overall pick in the 2019 draft. After a few years in the minor leagues, during which he was named Minor League Player of the Year in 2021, Witt made his full-time debut with the Royals in 2022. His rookie season was impressive, and he followed it up with an even more stellar performance in 2023, earning him a seventh-place finish in the MVP voting.
For the Royals, this contract signifies a commitment to success, especially coming off a challenging season. It’s also happening amidst discussions in Jackson County about potentially raising sales tax to help fund a new downtown stadium.
This deal is noteworthy for its timing, occurring a year ahead of Witt’s eligibility for arbitration following the 2024 season. Now, he’s serving as his son’s agent and played a key role in negotiating this record-setting contract.
Bobby Witt Jr.’s contract with the Kansas City Royals
In conclusion, Bobby Witt Jr.’s monumental contract with the Kansas City Royals not only secures his future in baseball but also sets a new standard for franchise deals. With his talent, dedication, and family support, Witt’s journey promises to be one of continued success and achievement in the world of Major League Baseball.
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