Bobby Witt Jr. signs 11-year, $288.8M deal with Royals

The recent news of Bobby Witt Jr. signing an 11-year, $288.8 million deal with the Kansas City Royals has sent shockwaves through the baseball world. At just 21 years old, Witt Jr. has already proven himself to be a rising star in the sport, and this record-breaking contract solidifies his place among the elite.

Witt Jr., the son of former Major League Baseball pitcher Bobby Witt Sr., has shown exceptional talent and promise since being drafted as the second overall pick in 2019. His power hitting, speed on the basepaths, and defensive prowess have made him a force to be reckoned with.

Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and the Kansas City Royals are in agreement on an 11-year, $288.8 million contract extension, sources told ESPN, a staggering guarantee that will keep the young star in Kansas City as the Royals attempt to build a team -- and a new stadium -- with him at the center.

Witt, 23, who is entering his third major league season, was one of the best players in baseball last year, prompting the Royals to lavish upon him a deal that includes superstar money with flexibility as well. The contract will allow Witt to opt out after the seventh, eighth, ninth and 10th years, sources said. It also includes a club option after the 11th season that would tack on three years and $89 million to the contract, giving it a 14-year, $377 million ceiling.

Witt Jr., 23, recorded 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases as a rookie in 2022. Last year, he recorded 30 home runs and 49 stolen bases, becoming the first player in Royals history with a 30/30 season. In doing so, he became the seventh player in Major League history to go 30/30 in his age-23 season or younger, and was the second American League shortstop—regardless of age—to post a 30/30 season, following Álex Rodríguez, who went 40/40 in 1998. Witt Jr.’s sophomore season earned him 7th place in the American League Most Valuable Player voting.

While Witt has played like one of the top shortstops in baseball and has received one of the game's largest contracts, he won't receive a large payday right away. He's set to make $2 million in 2024 and $9 million in 2025 before his salary spikes up to $13 million in 2026 and $19 million in 2027, according to MLB.com.

Witt's salary will reportedly eventually climb up to $30 million in 2028 and reach its peak value of $35 million in 2029. He'll earn $35 million in 2030 before having a player option in his contract for the next four seasons, which are each worth $35 million, MLB.com. reported.

Multiple teams' internal projection systems regard Witt as one of the 10 best players in baseball and see MVP-type seasons in his future. During his first season, Witt showed flashes of greatness, and when fans stumped to ensure he'd remain with the Royals, he said that he didn't want to look too far ahead but that "I want to be here for a long time.

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 Sarah H

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