Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was instrumental in his team’s sweep of the Houston Astros.
On Thursday, he hit two home runs and drove in five runs to propel the team to a 13-3 win.
We don’t need to tell you Witt is one of the best young players in MLB after he hit 30 home runs and stole 49 bags last year, with a .813 OPS.
We do need to remind you, however, that he might have jumped a tier and joined the elite, at least if we judge his 2024 performance so far.
He is punishing the ball and leading an exciting category.
“Most 110+ mph batted balls, 2024: Bobby Witt Jr.: 9, Juan Soto: 7, Shohei Ohtani: 7, Yordan Alvarez: 5, Miguel Sanó: 5,” MLB stats expert Sarah Langs tweeted.
most 110+ mph batted balls, 2024:
Bobby Witt Jr.: 9Juan Soto: 7Shohei Ohtani: 7Yordan Alvarez: 5Miguel Sanó: 5
If you have played baseball, you know what 80, 95, or 110 mph means.
110 mph is an incredibly high exit velocity, and Witt is making these connections seem like they are routine.
He is really locked in at the plate and, as stated, is showing that he might have another gear in him.
In 13 games so far, he has led the Royals to an amazing 9-4 record and has hit a brilliant .358/.414/.755 line with four home runs, eight RBI, and a 1.169 OPS.
He also has three stolen bases already, although he has been caught three times, too.
The Royals are much improved in comparison to what they showed in 2023, and as long as Witt keeps performing like he has, they have a chance to sneak into the postseason.
The season is very, very long and we have seen teams collapse after great starts time and time again.
Witt, however, seems determined to not let that happen.