Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. has real chance to break Alex Rodriguez's 30-year hitting record

The Kansas City Royals are incredibly fortunate to have Bobby Witt Jr. under contract for the foreseeable future on what is a very friendly deal.

He's arguably the best shortstop in the sport, and he's flashed some incredible defense in the World Baseball Classic recently. But he's not just a great fielder; he's an elite hitter as well. Combined with his speed, Witt is one of the most dangerous players in baseball.

Coming into 2026, ESPN's David Schoenfield believes that Witt has a realistic chance to break a record set by Alex Rodriguez 30 years ago. Witt reaching 92 extra-base hits, which would be the most for a shortstop ever, is within reach for the Royals superstar.

Bobby Witt Jr. reaching 92 extra-base hits is a realistic goal

"Bobby Witt Jr.: 92 extra-base hits," Schoenfield writes. "Verdict: Real. Witt had 23 home runs in 2024 before dropping to 23 in 2025, so we know there's 30-homer power here -- and maybe close to 40 with the new ballpark dimensions."

Witt is only 26 years old and is entering his fifth year in the Majors. Having a career-year wouldn't be a surprise, and 92 extra-base hits is a realistic, but also lofty goal to hit.

Last season, Witt only had 76 extra-base hits, but in 2024, he reached 88, tied for second-most in shortstop MLB history with Jimmy Rollins.

Witt getting to 92 extra-base hits is well within his skill set. He's got incredible power, with his career-best year being 32 home runs. With more favorable stadium dimensions, hitting a few more homers might not be out of the question.

More: Konnor Griffin projected to make Pirates Opening Day roster by two analysts

Along with great power comes great speed for Witt. He can turn singles into doubles, and doubles into triples. His career high in triples is 11, which he's done twice in 2023 and 2024.

When it comes to doubles, he's never had fewer than 28 in a season, and the last two years, he's had at least 45, including a career-high 47 in 2025.

Taking his career high in home runs (32), doubles (47), and triples (11), Witt comes up two extra-base hits short of Rodriguez's record that has stood since 1996.

However, Witt having a career-year in a more favorable stadium would not be a surprise. While Schoenfield calls this a realistic goal might be bold if there were a player to break such a record this year, it would be Witt.

More MLB news:

• Blue Jays sign Joe Mantiply to minor league contract
• Dodgers’ Roki Sasaki will return to rotation, not bullpen according Dave Roberts
• Alex Cora announces Caleb Durbin is Red Sox starting third baseman
• Joey Wentz is out for the season with a torn ACL for the Braves
• Reds’ Hunter Greene to be out until July amid brutal injury news
• Braves predicted to trade Bryce Elder for Lars Nootbaar
• Jesus Luzardo’s $135 million extension is a steal for Phillies