Kansas City Royals fans have every reason to celebrate Bobby Witt Jr., a shining star who's making waves not just in the MLB but on the global stage. Witt, just a year past his standout 2024 season where he nearly clinched the AL MVP, continued to impress in 2025, finishing a close fourth in the MVP race despite a so-called "down" year.
Witt isn't just about the bat-he's a quintessential five-tool player, with his defense arguably matching his offensive prowess. Royals fans have long known about Witt's defensive brilliance, but the rest of the baseball world got a front-row seat to his glove magic during the United States' World Baseball Classic clash with Mexico.
Bobby Witt Jr. is making a compelling case as baseball's premier defender.
If you had suggested after Witt's rookie year that he'd be in the conversation for top defensive honors, it might have seemed far-fetched. Back in 2022, Witt split his time between shortstop and third base, posting less-than-stellar defensive metrics. But everything changed when he became Kansas City's full-time shortstop in 2023, culminating in a career-defining season with the glove.
Witt snagged both the AL Gold Glove and his first AL Platinum Glove Award. His defensive stats were jaw-dropping: leading all MLB defenders in Outs Above Average (OAA) with 24, ranking in the top five for Fielding Runs Value (FRV) at 20, and posting an above-average 3 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS).
His defensive prowess was on full display in the World Baseball Classic. In the fourth inning against Mexico, Blue Jays All-Star Alejandro Kirk hit a deep shot into the hole between third and short. Witt made a diving stop, got to his knees, and fired a strike to Bryce Harper at first, nabbing Kirk with ease.
Then, in the fifth, Pittsburgh Pirates' Nick Gonzales grounded one to a similar spot. Witt, like clockwork, dove, snagged it, and threw to a sprawling Harper at first for another out.
While crowning Witt as baseball's best defender is no small claim, especially considering the positional differences in defense, his ability to make such challenging plays look routine is extraordinary. His performance at a premium position like shortstop only strengthens his case.
This certainly won't be the last we hear of Witt's defensive exploits in 2026, and perhaps the World Baseball Classic will witness even more of his magic.