Big news outta Kansas City. The Royals just made a huge move, securing their star shortstop, Bobby Witt Jr., with an eye-popping 11-year contract extension. Yeah, you heard that right. The deal’s a monster, clocking in at a cool $288.7 million. This isn’t just any contract; it’s a record-breaker for the franchise, leaving Salvador Perez’s $82 million deal in the dust. Perez must feel like yesterday’s news, with his contract signed back in the spring of 2021.
“We’re over the moon,” Royals chairman John Sherman gushed. He’s not just happy; he’s thrilled to bits that Witt will be wearing Royals blue for what seems like an eternity. Sherman’s praise didn’t stop there. He’s all in on Witt, lauding his commitment to the city, the fans, and, of course, the team.
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty. Witt’s bagging a $7.7 million signing bonus right off the bat. Plus, he’s got options to opt-out after the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th years. And get this – there’s a potential to stretch this deal to a whopping 14 years and $377.7 million. Witt, only 23 and already making waves, was still a good four years from free agency. Locking him down now? Smart move. This contract is the second-largest ever for someone his age, trailing only behind Fernando Tatis Jr.’s staggering $340 million with the Padres.
Speaking of Witt, the kid was the second pick in the 2019 draft, right behind Adley Rutschman. But guess what? Witt beat Rutschman to the big leagues, a feat even more impressive considering Witt came straight from high school. And 2023? What a year for Witt. The guy was on fire, boasting a .276 average, smashing 30 homers, and swiping 49 bases. Not to mention, his defense? Top-notch.
GM J.J. Picollo couldn’t hide his excitement. “From day one, we knew Bobby was a star in the making,” he said. These past two seasons? They’ve just proved what the Royals already knew. And it’s not just about Witt’s on-field prowess. He’s a team player through and through.
The Royals aren’t just sitting around this offseason. They’ve been busy bees, signing names like Adam Frazier, Seth Lugo, and Hunter Renfroe, to name a few. Their spending spree has catapulted their payroll to the top of the AL Central. Yet, they’re still a ways off from hitting the CBT threshold. With the division up for grabs, 2024 could be the Royals’ year. And there’s buzz about a new downtown ballpark, with Witt’s signing coming just in time for a crucial ballot referendum.
Last season was rough, tying the franchise record for losses. It’s been a minute since their 2015 World Series win. But with moves like these, who knows? The tide might just be turning for Kansas City.
