“If Bobby Witt Jr. doesn’t win this MVP, don’t count him out for next year” - Former All-Star thinks Royals shortstop could land coveted award in 2025
The MLB announced the finalists for the American League MVP Award, with Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. finding himself in a star-studded trio. The Royals superstar will compete with Aaron Judge and Juan Soto for the award.
Although Judge is widely viewed as the favorite to walk away with his second AL MVP Award, that does not take away from the incredible season that Witt enjoyed. He was outstanding for the Kansas City Royals in 2024, posting a phenomenal .332 batting average with 32 home runs, 109 RBIs and 31 stolen bases.
Even though it appears that Judge might be the player to beat, Witt's teammate Adam Frazier suggests that it may not be long before the shortstop hoists his MVP Award. In an interview with MLB Network Radio, the former All-Star had nothing but good things to say about Witt and his future success.
"He's great," Frazier said. "He's a good kid, plays hard, he just wants to win. So that attention to being great, so is the attention to detail is there to be great everyday. He's a special talent," Frazier said of the Royals superstar.
Frazier, who spent the 2024 campaign with the Royals, said that Gunnar Henderson is the only player comparable to Bobby Witt Jr.
"I expect nothing but more great things out of Bobby and if he doesn't win the MVP this year, don't count him out for next year," Frazier added.
Given Witt's progress in recent years, his AL MVP nomination this season, and the rising contender status of the Kansas City Royals, it might be foolish to rule him out of winning next year.
Bobby Witt Jr.'s value is not limited to his offensive production
As seen from the stat line listed above, it's clear that Bobby Witt Jr. is as elite as they come. Thanks to his combination of power and speed, Witt is part of an exciting shortstop class that features the likes of Elly De La Cruz and the aforementioned Gunnar Henderson.
That being said, one of the ways that Witt helps his case as a future MVP is that he is also an elite defender. The Kansas City Royals superstar not only finds himself in contention for the AL MVP Award but was named the 2024 Gold Glove Award winner at shortstop. His combination of defense and incredible offensive performances make him a perennial MVP candidate moving forward.