Bobby Witt Jr. Achieves Historic Second in AL MVP Voting

Bobby Witt Jr. made history by finishing second in the AL MVP voting, securing the highest MVP finish for a Kansas City Royals player since George Brett in 1985. Aaron Judge claimed the AL MVP unanimously, but Witt’s remarkable season—leading the league in batting average (.332) and hits (211)—earned him a spot at the top of the MVP leaderboard. This finish also marked the second time in history that a player has placed second on all 30 MVP ballots.

By the Numbers

Bobby Witt Jr. finished second on all 30 MVP ballots, showcasing his remarkable consistency throughout the season. He led MLB with a batting average of .332 and 211 hits and also ranked second in the AL with a WAR of 6.9. This performance earned him several prestigious honors, including a Silver Slugger, a Gold Glove award, and a First-Team All-MLB selection.

Yes, but

Despite Witt’s extraordinary performance, Aaron Judge’s historic season with 58 home runs and a 10.8 rWAR ultimately overshadowed his achievements. Critics argue that the MVP awards often reflect team success, with Judge’s Yankees outperforming the Royals this season, further complicating the MVP race.

State of Play

Bobby Witt Jr. made history as the first Royals player to win a batting title since George Brett in 1990. His second-place finish is the fifth MVP runner-up finish in the franchise’s history, emphasizing his impact on the team.

What’s Next

Witt’s outstanding performance not only secured his personal accolades but also benefits the Royals’ future. As part of the new Prospect Promotion Incentive Program, his finish ensures the Royals will receive an additional draft pick, potentially giving them more resources to build a stronger roster. This could prove vital for the team’s future success as they look to strengthen their lineup.

Bottom Line

Bobby Witt Jr.’s second-place finish in the AL MVP voting signals the rise of a future superstar for the Kansas City Royals. His exceptional performance, combined with the rewards from the new draft pick, could provide the team with new strategic opportunities to bolster their roster and pave the way for future success. With Witt at the helm, the Royals are poised for exciting times ahead.