The Royals handed out their 2026 team awards on Monday morning, and the spotlight landed on three familiar names: Bobby Witt Jr., Michael Wacha and Salvador Perez.
Witt was voted the 2026 Les Milgram Player of the Year by the local KC Baseball Writers Association of America chapter, extending a run that has become routine for him. The 26-year-old shortstop has now won the award five straight seasons, putting him second only to Royals Hall of Famer George Brett, who claimed it eight times.
Witt’s season gave the voters plenty to work with. He hit .281 with 6.7 WAR in 143 games, paced the Royals with 45 stolen bases and added 18 home runs and 54 RBIs.
He also picked up his third All-Star selection and was recently announced as a finalist for the 2026 American League MVP Award. Later this month, he’ll try to win his third Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award.
His value wasn’t limited to the batter’s box. Witt ranked third among AL shortstops with 326 assists and seventh with a .981 fielding percentage. He also led the American League with 24 Outs Above Average and 18 runs prevented.
The honor gives Witt a second major offseason recognition. Last week, he was named the 2026 Heart and Hustle recipient by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association.
Wacha earned the 2026 Bruce Rice Pitcher of the Year Award, which is named for the late Kansas City sportscaster. The 35-year-old right-hander became a stabilizing force in the rotation after Cole Ragans’ season-ending injury, taking on ace duties and finishing 9-10 with a 3.32 ERA in 32 starts.
He also crossed the 200-inning mark for the first time in his career, leading the AL in innings pitched while making his second All-Star team. In the second half, Wacha posted a 2.66 ERA over 13 starts, and the Royals named him their Pitcher of the Month in September. The club is expected to bring him back next season alongside Noah Cameron and Seth Lugo.
Perez took home the 2026 Joe Burke Special Achievement Award after moving to the top of the Royals’ all-time home run list. The 36-year-old passed Brett with his 318th career homer on July 25 against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.
Kansas City marked the moment with a special recognition at Kauffman Stadium, presenting Perez with an honorary plaque and stadium flag. On the field, he hit .229 with 21 home runs this season, giving him 10 career seasons with at least 20 homers.
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