Royals Make Bobby Witt Jr. Request After Missing MLB Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 6, 2025 7:50 PM ET

The Kansas City Royals missed the MLB playoffs in 2025, yet that was not because of superstar Bobby Witt Jr., who has continued to be one of the league’s most exciting talents.

The 25-year-old shortstop built on his breakout campaign in 2024 with another incredible season. Over 157 games, Witt owned a .295 batting average, .351 on-base percentage, .852 OPS, 23 home runs and 88 RBIs. Witt led all of MLB with 184 hits and 47 doubles, yet the Royals did not provide enough support around him. Fortunately for Kansas City, Witt will remain with the club long-term after inking an 11-year, $288.7 million contract in February 2024.

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) © Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

As the Royals enter the offseason with the goal of building a team prepared for October baseball in 2026, Kansas City announced that Witt had been selected as a finalist for the 2025 Hank Aaron Award by MLB. The team made a request to fans on X and wrote, “Bobby has been named a finalist for the 2025 Hank Aaron award! Vote for our guy today!”

Witt is among the ten finalists for the American League’s Hank Aaron Award, marking his second career nomination for the honor. If selected, it would be his first time receiving the award, which recognizes the league’s top offensive performer.

Bobby has been named a finalist for the 2025 Hank Aaron award!

Vote for our guy today! pic.twitter.com/BpSUPjdUA1
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) October 6, 2025

Witt has continued to build up his trophy case after making his big-league debut in 2022. He collected his second consecutive All-Star selection this year and has already earned a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger.

Witt has continued to excel in every aspect of the game. He features elite speed on the basepaths along with impressive range at shortstop. With Witt locked into the top of the order long-term, Kansas City will have its face of the franchise for the next decade.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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