Kansas City Royals fans are living the dream.
No, they haven’t won the World Series or even gone to the postseason since 2015.
However, they finally remembered what it’s like to experience hope.
After a series of impact signings in the offseason (Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Chris Stratton, Will Smith, Hunter Renfroe, and more), this week brought some exciting news: they extended shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. on an 11-year, $288.8 million deal.
The contract is guaranteed to pay Witt $148 million for the next seven years.
Then, the player will have opt-out clauses after the seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth campaigns.
If he stays for the 11 years, the Royals will be able to tack on three more years at $89 million.
There is a no-trade clause and a $7.7 million signing bonus.
Fans are ecstatic that their franchise cornerstone will stay for the long-term.
The player, as you would imagine, is also excited: he has made life-changing money playing baseball.
He had a message for Royals fans, via the team on Twitter.
“Hey Kansas City, such a big day today. (I’m) super excited, can’t wait to see you all at the K (Kauffman Stadium) this year and for years to come,” he told fans.
Bobby Baseball checks in! pic.twitter.com/d9hu4FLYqL
Witt took the league by storm in his debut season in 2022.
He hit 20 home runs and stole 30 bases, with 80 RBI and a .722 OPS.
He improved considerably in 2023, though, with 30 dingers and 49 thefts plus 97 runs, 96 RBI, and an .813 OPS.
He is 23 years old, so he could potentially have another gear in him.
Better times are ahead for the Royals, and Witt will be there to lead them.