Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. continues to heat up, despite 'slow start'

As the days start to heat up, so does Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who continues to be one of the best hitters in Major League Baseball. Posting a .254 batting average and a .645 OPS on April 15, Witt Jr. has increased his season average, with little dips, to .294 and is leading the American League in hits (63). 

Finding his groove, Witt Jr.'s "slow start" to the season needs to be put in the "rear-view mirror" to continue producing at an MVP-level. 

Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr.'s slow start is a thing of the past with how hot he is getting

According to MLB.com's Brian Murphy, Witt Jr. was one of 10 hitters in Major League Baseball whose early-season struggles need to be put in the "rear-view mirror" with how hot he has been at the plate. 

"For a moment there on Monday, it looked like Witt had authored yet another game-changing moment for the Royals," wrote Murphy. "Alas, his go-ahead homer in the bottom of the eighth against the Yankees ended up as just a footnote in Kansas City's loss. But it was also a part of Witt's continued power surge; all eight of his home runs this season have come within his past 27 games."

Murphy added: "Witt owned a .254 average and a sub-.300 slugging percentage in mid-April. Now he is the AL leader in hits -- something he did in 2024 and '25 as well -- and has raised his slug nearly 200 points, up to .481, over his past 36 contests. One of the most valuable defensive players in the sport, Witt's all-around game added up to an MLB-best 3.3 FanGraphs WAR entering Monday's game."

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Witt Jr. has been one of the best players in baseball in May and is a contender for the Player of the Month award in the American League. In 93 at-bats (23 games), the two-time All-Star is hitting .301 with a .898 OPS and has mashed six home runs. 

Witt Jr. has also displayed his speed in May, swiping six bases (16 overall), while being caught once (three overall). The two-time Silver Slugger's home run on Memorial Day, as Murphy mentioned, was an example of how well Witt. Jr. has done well against relievers this season. In 53 games (71 at-bats) has hit .296 with a .920 OPS and hit four home runs, while driving in 14 RBI. 

The former batting champion (2024), Witt Jr., has also walked more (17) than he has struck out (16) when facing relievers. Showing no signs of slowing down, Witt Jr. could have what it takes to dethrone New York Yankees outfielder and reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge. Witt Jr. lost to Judge in 2024 for the American League MVP Award, despite leading MLB in hitting (.332 batting average), hits (211) and leading the American League in games played (161). 

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