Bobby Witt Jr. addressed his ranking earlier this week.
The Kansas City Royals have long searched for a player who could redefine the franchise, and Bobby Witt Jr. has become that figure. Since debuting in 2022, Witt has quickly risen into one of the most dynamic talents in MLB. His rare combination of speed, power and defensive excellence has made him one of the sport’s brightest young superstars, and his impact has been felt both in Kansas City and across the league.
That rise was once again recognized this winter when Witt was ranked as the third-best player in MLB for the second consecutive year according to MLB Network. At just 25 years old, he has already built a track record that includes two Gold Gloves, two Silver Sluggers and historic achievements such as becoming the first shortstop in league history to record multiple 30-30 seasons.
His production in 2025 further underscored his standing among the game’s elite, as he posted a .295 batting average, .351 on-base percentage, .852 OPS, 23 home runs and 38 stolen bases across 157 games. For a franchise that has endured its share of struggles, Witt’s emergence has been nothing short of transformative.
Asked about the ranking on a recent MLB Network appearance, Witt reflected on both the honor and the responsibility that comes with it.
“Yeah, it's truly an honor just being able to be ranked No. 3, but also it's motivation just to keep working hard just to stay up there and just keep getting better each and every year.”
He continued, emphasizing pride in the Royals’ progress and his own drive for improvement.
“Yeah, I think I am most proud of just where our team's going. The first few years, we lost over 100 games and got back to the playoffs. Last year, we didn't. But I feel like we're going to keep getting better and better. For me personally, I try to get better at every part of my game. That's just all there is to it. I feel like you're never going to be perfect. So I think there's always room for improvement. So, I'm trying to improve defense, offense, speed and get stronger defensively.”
Witt’s words reflect both humility and ambition, qualities that have endeared him to fans and teammates alike. His recognition as the third-best player in the world is not just about individual accolades but about the trajectory of the Royals as a whole. Kansas City has struggled to remain competitive in recent years, but Witt’s leadership and production have given the organization a clear path forward.
As the 2026 season approaches, the Royals will lean heavily on Witt to anchor their lineup and set the tone defensively. His ability to impact the game in every facet makes him indispensable, and his continued growth could elevate Kansas City back into playoff contention. For Witt, the ranking is both validation and motivation, a reminder of how far he has come and how much further he intends to go.