Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. becomes first MLB player to reach 3.0 WAR, delivers game-tying hit in defeat

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. continues proving to be one of MLB's top talents. 

Entering Friday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium, Witt was the lone player to register a 3.0 WAR rating.

With the game tied in the top of the 10th inning, Witt delivered a first-pitch double to left-center field off reliever Ryan Stanek, scoring baserunner Maikel with the short-lived lead.

Witt can't do everything.

Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. pacing MLB in rising WAR rating

Despite the Royals struggling this season, Witt continues to provide the batting order with something the players collectively lack: consistent offense. The 25-year-old speedster, who executed an inside-the-park home run in 14.13 seconds earlier this season, should be considered an AL MVP candidate.

In his opening 173 at-bats this season, Witt slashed .306/.381/.503. He paced the Royals in batting average (.306), home runs (seven) and RBI (22).

Along with his league-high WAR ranking, Statcast rated Witt with a batting run value of nine, placing the 25-year-old five-tool star in the 90th percentile. 

Witt, however, has yet to figure out how to compensate for an injury-riddled pitching starting rotation and a struggling bullpen. The Royals ranked No. 22 in team earned-run average (4.43).

After Witt lifted the Royals to an extra-inning lead, Cardinals' Alec Burleson connected on a first-pitch game-tying single in the bottom of the frame. It was their first hit in nine chances with runners in scoring position Friday. 

The Cardinals ended up earning a 5-4 win in the 11th inning, preventing Witt from getting another at-bat to increase his WAR rating further.