The Kansas City Royals had an incredible year in 2024. A year after going 56-106, the Royals reached the playoffs, qualifying for the American League Division Series. The Royals made improvements in several key areas, including the starting rotation, but they also got a superhuman year from shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.

One of the best players in baseball, he hit .332 to win the American League batting title. He hit 32 home runs, 109 RBIs and 45 doubles, leading the majors with 211 hits. Witt Jr. added 31 stolen bases. He’s already won a Gold Glove Award and a Silver Slugger Award this offseason and is guaranteed to finish in the top three in voting for the American League MVP Award.

He is expected to finish second in this race, behind Aaron Judge and ahead of Juan Soto, both of the New York Yankees.

Additionally, there was this note from Codify Baseball on social media:

Bobby Witt Jr.’s OPS+ this season was the highest single-season mark by an MLB shortstop with at least 120 games played since 1935.

As Witt Jr. continues to assert himself, the Royals look dangerous again in 2025. With him, Salvador Perez and Vinnie Pasquantino, the Royals have three anchors in the middle of the order. Plus, Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo make up one of the best 1-2 punches in any AL rotation.

Kansas City is expected to be active again this offseason, and they have already re-signed right-handed pitcher Michael Wacha to a three-year deal.

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