MLB players rated their peers. Here’s how they rank Kansas City Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr.
It’s no secret that Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is an emerging superstar in Major League Baseball.
Last season he led the majors with a .332 batting average and 211 hits. He produced his second consecutive 30-30 campaign and finished second in balloting for the American League MVP Award. Even more exciting to the Royals and those cheering them on, is that he has the bandwidth to improve those numbers in 2025.
The Royals are not the only ones noticing. Witt, according to a new MLB.com player survey, is regarded as the second-best player in the game today. He has earned the respect of his contemporaries in different clubhouses.
Here is what one player noted:
“It’s Shohei (Ohtani ranked No. 1), but I can see a case for Bobby Witt Jr,” a National League outfielder told MLB.com reporters. “He hit a homer against us one time and you’re mad, but you’re also like, ‘Man, he has so much aura.’”
A quick Google search defines “aura” as the atmosphere or quality a person generates. To that point, Witt has enthralled Royals fans since bursting onto the scene via the 2019 MLB Draft.
Witt has already garnered multiple honors for his prowess in the field and at the plate. He won a Rawlings Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award; last summer he made his first All-Star appearance and competed in the Home Run Derby.
Now, Witt sits behind only megastar Ohtani in the eyes of his peers. It’s the ultimate compliment for the 24-year-old shortstop.
“The ceiling is so high and I know he wants to achieve a lot of big things,” Philadelphia Phillies star Trea Turner said of Witt at last summer’s All-Star Game. “I never got a chance to be around people like that when I was his age. So I’m a little jealous of him and I think he is really special, man. He’s a really good player and I like him as a person.”
Witt should already be considered a frontrunner in the 2025 AL MVP race; he finished second to New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge last season.
Witt’s lofty numbers could improve further still with the addition of Jonathan India to the Royals’ lineup. India is set to lead off and give Witt more run-producing opportunities this year.
“India’s spring has been incredible,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro told reporters. “Bobby, we know what he can do with power and speed. The at-bats have been getting better and better. He truly has been in a build-up to the season. Really happy with both of those guys.”
India has been a catalyst in run production during Cactus League games at spring training in Surprise, Arizona. Witt, meanwhile, is hitting .333 with four home runs and seven RBIs in 14 spring outings.
Witt avoided significant injury after sustaining a left-forearm contusion. He returned to game action last week and will be available for opening day next week.
“It’s a blessing that I’m back and ready,” Witt told reporters in Surprise, Arizona. “The next day I felt good. Now, I’m just taking it day-by-day and trying to get ready for Day 1. I feel good. I’m trying to stay as locked in as possible and take things one day at a time.”
Witt and the Royals open their 2025 season against the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday, March 27 at Kauffman Stadium.
This story was originally published March 20, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
