Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. made a decision this past week.
The Kansas City Royals have built their franchise around one of the brightest young players in baseball, Bobby Witt Jr., and that spotlight continues to grow beyond the major-league level. As international competition becomes a larger part of the sport’s landscape, their franchise superstar is embracing opportunities to represent his country on the global stage.
With baseball potentially returning to the Summer Olympics in 2028, questions have already surfaced about which MLB players would be willing to participate. For a player of Bobby Witt Jr.’s caliber, the idea of competing internationally carries both prestige and added responsibility.
Witt is already set to represent Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, further cementing his role as one of the faces of American baseball. His willingness to suit up on that stage speaks to both his competitiveness and his growing influence within the sport.
Appearing on Foul Territory, Witt made it clear that the Olympic stage is something that resonates deeply with him. When asked whether he would be interested in playing if baseball returns, he responded, “Yeah, I think that’d be really cool. Growing up, I always watched the Olympics, whether it was Winter or Summer Olympics, and I just thought it was really, really cool to see that and to get to represent your country on a bigger stage.”
That enthusiasm is significant for Kansas City. The Royals are not just building around an elite player, they are building around a global ambassador for the game. Witt’s interest in international competition elevates the visibility of both the franchise and the sport, especially if MLB players are allowed to participate in the Olympics.
On the field, Witt has already established himself as one of the best players in baseball and arguably a top‑three talent in the league today. His 2025 season only reinforced that status. In 157 games, he collected 184 hits, leading all of MLB, while also topping the league with 47 doubles. He posted a .295 batting average, .351 on‑base percentage and .852 OPS, while adding 38 stolen bases to showcase his elite all‑around skill set.
His list of accomplishments continues to grow at a rapid pace. Witt is already a two‑time All‑Star, a two‑time Gold Glove winner and a two‑time Silver Slugger recipient. He has also secured a batting title and finished in the top 10 of American League MVP voting in three consecutive seasons.
Witt is not only the centerpiece of their present but also the face of their future. His openness to playing on the Olympic stage adds another layer to his profile, one that could further elevate his legacy.