Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals hit the 100th home run of his Major League Baseball career during the team’s 5-2 win against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday. This achievement places him among an exclusive group of shortstops who have reached 100 home runs by age 25, sharing company with legends like Álex Rodríguez and Cal Ripken Jr.
Significance of Witt’s Achievement Among Shortstop Elites
Witt is now one of only six shortstops to hit 100 home runs before turning 26, highlighting his early career power and impact at a premium defensive position. This milestone is a testament to his talent, especially considering the difficulty of producing long-term power numbers at shortstop historically.
After the game, Witt reflected on the moment, saying,
“It was special, just seeing the kind of names on the list or whatever they showed,”
and added,
“But now, it’s just kind of on to the next. It was special. We enjoy it. And now it’s just on to the next game.”
— Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals shortstop
Performance Highlights and Career Progression
On Tuesday, Witt went 1-for-4 at the plate, making his hit count with a towering 449-foot home run off Texas Rangers pitcher Cole Winn. That shot gave Kansas City a crucial three-run lead, which reliever John Schreiber preserved to secure the save in the ninth inning.
Since debuting with the Royals in 2022, Witt has rapidly developed into a franchise cornerstone. He earned two All-Star selections and finished seventh in the American League MVP voting during his second season. In 2024, his value was evident as he recorded the second-highest Wins Above Replacement (WAR) among position players according to FanGraphs, posting a remarkable 10.5 WAR.
While his 2025 statistics have not quite matched that peak pace, Witt remains a key offensive contributor with a .291 batting average, .351 on-base percentage, and .493 slugging mark. Notably, he leads all of MLB with 38 doubles this season, demonstrating his consistent power and hitting ability.
Long-Term Commitment to the Royals’ Franchise Future
The Royals have ensured Witt will remain central to their plans, signing him to a $288.8 million extension that runs through 2037, with an opt-out clause as early as 2031. This contract reflects the organization’s confidence in his continued growth and influence on the team.
Given his current trajectory, Witt’s sustained presence could place him among the all-time greats in Kansas City Royals history, especially if he maintains his performance throughout the length of this deal.