Sep 29, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) waves to the crowd after the win over the New York Yankees at Kauffman Stadium. Witt became the first Royals player in history to hit 30 home runs and have 30 stolen bases. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: New York Yankees at Kansas City Royals
KANSAS CITY — It’s a good day to be Bobby Whit Jr.
The Royals SS signed an 11-year, $288.7 million contract extension on Monday, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
The deal also includes a club option at its conclusion, which would tack on three years and $89 million to the contract, and make it a 14-year, $377 million pact.
The 23-year-old Witt, who is entering his third major league season, was one of the best players in baseball last year hitting .276/.319/.495 with 30 home runs and 49 stolen bases while playing Gold Glove-caliber defense.
“I am incredibly grateful to the Sherman family and the Royals front office for believing in me, and I promise to do everything in my power to help bring championship baseball back to Kansas City! Let’s go!!”
With the Royals being one of the more active teams this winter, it’s clear that the team is set on building a competitive roster, and inking the 23-year-old was step one. The organization has struggled to surround him with good players in his first two years, during which they went 121-203, but better days are ahead.
