
The Kansas City Royals offseason has officially begun, and the team’s primary goal will be building around its franchise star Bobby Witt Jr. The 25-year-old shortstop, fortunately for the Royals, is signed with the organization long term.
Witt inked an 11-year, $288.8 million contract extension with Kansas City in February 2024. Based on the average annual value of many other stars, Witt is expected to outperform his deal for years to come.
After finishing runner-up in AL MVP voting in 2024, Witt delivered another standout campaign in 2025. Over 157 games, he posted a .295 batting average, .351 on-base percentage, .852 OPS, 23 home runs and 88 RBIs.
He was recently recognized for his performance with a Platinum Glove Award, a Silver Slugger Award and a fourth-place finish in AL MVP voting.
Witt received what may be his final honor of the year on Monday. The Royals announced he is the recipient of the Les Milgram Player of the Year Award. “Shouting out some stellar seasons. Congratulations to our 2025 team award winners!” the team wrote on X.
Kansas City also shared that Maikel Garcia received the Joe Burke Special Achievement Award and Noah Cameron received the Bruce Rice Pitcher of the Year Award.
The Les Milgram Player of the Year Award has been one of the Royals’ most prestigious honors since its inception in 1971. Named after Les Milgram, a respected Kansas City businessman and longtime supporter of the franchise, the award is voted on annually by the Kansas City Chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America.
Shouting out some stellar seasons.
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) November 17, 2025
Congratulations to our 2025 team award winners! pic.twitter.com/zk4bCF7bE4
As Witt enters the offseason, his focus will shift to bringing postseason baseball back to Kansas City. The Royals have been rumored to be active on both the trade and free agent markets, aiming to bolster the pitching staff and add an outfielder who can bring power to the lineup.
Witt made his big-league debut in 2022 and just completed his fourth season with the Royals. He has spent his entire career with the organization since being selected second overall in the 2019 MLB Draft. Over that time, he has developed into a true superstar.
He is a threat on the basepaths, the best defensive shortstop in the American League and a plus hitter with power and consistency. Few players in the game today match his all-around impact, and he continues to grow into one of the most well-rounded players on the planet.
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