The Kansas City Royals have started playing better, and have even returned to photos of the American League wildcard. After winning 86 games last year and finishing second, they now have only three games in the Seattle Mariners' third and final game.
Royals have benefited greatly from several players this year. Players like Michael Garcia have strengthened their roles to play a bigger role, but some of the usual suspects are also the cornerstone of the franchise.
That's certainly the case with Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report, who listed his top 10 MVP candidates in the American League and National League, and Witt was on the AL roster.
August 24, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) celebrated with his teammates after winning the game against the Detroit Tigers in the sixth inning against Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images/ Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images
“Bobby Witt Jr. is a victim of his own success as he posted the amazing 10.5 War last season and finished second in the AL MVP vote, a victim of his own success.”
“But if you stayed last year, Witt is still running an incredible campaign. He leads baseball with 41 doubles, has 34 stolen bases and .858 OPS. Even if he didn't track to last year's height in the war category, the Fangraphs are currently ranked third among all AL position participants.”
Witt hit .298/.354/.501 this season with 19 home runs, 74 RBIs, 6.0 Wars and 137 OPS+ hits. He has been one of the best players in the Major League Baseball this season. Unfortunately, he may have been buried in the MVP game due to the heroism of two-time MVP Judge Aaron and Mariners star catcher Cal Raleigh, who quickly continued home runs this year.
But Witt is at least worth considering the way he helps the royals keep fighting, despite a few bad months. The Royals' game was 69-65 and still had good shots in the playoffs for the second consecutive year. If they are going to do this, they will need Witt to continue producing on the plate.
Royals have work to do, but Witt is still integrating a solid season that can be considered one of the top players in the league. Let's see if he can keep it hot.
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