The Kansas City Royals have struggled to maintain momentum after a promising late April, entering their Friday AL Central game against the Detroit Tigers with a 30-27 record. Despite sitting slightly above .500, the Royals have fallen to fourth place in their division and are only half a game out of a Wild Card spot. A primary concern for the team this season has been offensive inconsistency, with many relying on their star player, Bobby Witt Jr., to ignite the lineup. However, as the team’s performance has waned, so too has Witt’s production at the plate. After his impactful multi-RBI night in Wednesday’s win over the Cincinnati Reds, many are asking if this marks a potential breakout for Bobby Witt Jr. poised for weekend breakout and for the Royals as a whole.
Examining Royals’ Offensive Struggles and Witt’s Recent Slump
The Royals’ downturn since May 9 has been stark, losing five of six series and posting a 7-11 record overall. During this period, Kansas City’s offense ranks near the bottom of Major League Baseball, placing 28th in weighted runs created plus (wRC+) at 74, 29th in on-base plus slugging (OPS) at .636, and last in both home runs (6) and runs batted in (46). Royals fans have grown used to inconsistent offense in 2025, but their patience has been tested by Witt’s slide in form. After showing MVP-level promise in April, Witt’s performance has dipped significantly in May.
Following a 2-RBI game against the Houston Astros on May 12, Witt managed only three additional RBIs before Wednesday’s resurgence. Over this stretch from May 13 to 27, his slash line fell to .192/.232/.327 with no home runs and a wRC+ of just 41, a steep decline from his early-season pace. This slump reduced his season averages to a .290 batting average, a .829 OPS, and a 124 wRC+, figures far removed from his standout 2024 season when he posted a .332 average, .977 OPS, and 168 wRC+, narrowly missing the AL MVP award behind Aaron Judge.
What Witt’s Performance Could Mean for Royals Against Tough Competition
Witt’s multi-RBI game in the crucial victory on Wednesday could signify the end of his slump, potentially offering the Royals a desperately needed offensive boost. With Kansas City facing the MLB-leading Detroit Tigers this weekend in a fierce AL Central rivalry matchup, any spark from their young shortstop would be encouraging. The Royals’ hopes hinge on Witt rediscovering the form that made him an MVP contender, providing leadership at the plate as they attempt to reverse their troubling trend.
Facing one of baseball’s best offenses, the Royals need Witt’s resurgence to not only improve his own output but to inspire a more consistent collective performance. A strong weekend showing from Bobby Witt Jr. poised for weekend breakout would be a positive sign for a team striving to move out of its slump and remain competitive in the division.