The Kansas City Royals continued their successful run on Tuesday night, defeating the Texas Rangers 5-2 at Kauffman Stadium. This marked the Royals’ eighth victory in their last ten games, highlighting their strong form as they aim for a playoff berth. In the process, Bobby Witt Jr. celebrated a major career milestone by hitting his 100th home run.
Witt’s Historic Achievement Among Baseball’s Top Shortstops
Bobby Witt Jr.’s 18th home run of the season was more than just a contribution to Kansas City’s win—it secured his entry into elite company. According to Royals PR official Nick Kappel, Witt is among the handful of shortstops to hit 100 home runs before reaching age 25 over the past 95 seasons. The list includes Hall of Famers and stars like Alex Rodriguez, Cal Ripken Jr., Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, and Hanley Ramírez.
Shortstops to hit 100 HR through age-25 season, last 95 seasons:Alex Rodriguez (241)Cal Ripken Jr. (133)Francisco Lindor (130)Carlos Correa (107)Hanley Ramírez (103)BOBBY WITT JR. (100)— Nick Kappel (@NickKappel) August 20, 2025
Youngest Royal to Reach 100 HR and Join Rare 100 HR/100 SB Group
Anne Rogers of MLB.com highlighted Witt’s powerful home run as a historic achievement. Witt became the youngest player in Royals history to hit 100 career home runs. Furthermore, he is only the fourth player ever to record at least 100 home runs and 100 stolen bases within his first four MLB seasons, joining an exclusive group of athletes showcasing both power and speed early in their careers.
Bobby Witt Jr. hit an absolute bomb for his 100th career home run.He becomes the youngest Royal to hit 100 career HRs and just the fourth player in history with 100 HR and 100 SB in his first four MLB seasons. pic.twitter.com/09Khr0HGuG— Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) August 20, 2025
Strong All-Around Performance Fuels Royals’ Playoff Push
Last season, Witt earned accolades including a Silver Slugger and a Gold Glove, underscoring his talent both offensively and defensively. This year, he is batting .291 with 18 home runs, 69 RBIs, 32 stolen bases, and a .350 on-base percentage, confirming his value as a key contributor for the Royals. Kansas City currently holds a 65-61 record, sitting over .500 for the first time since May and is only 2.5 games behind a wild card position in the American League.
Rather than dismantle their roster, the Royals have chosen to make measured additions such as signing Adam Frazier and Mike Yastrzemski, while retaining key players like Seth Lugo. This approach is part of their determined strategy to maintain competitiveness and seek another playoff run after reaching the American League Division Series last year.
Challenges and Immediate Outlook for the Royals
The pitching staff faces some uncertainties with starting pitchers Kris Bubic and Cole Ragans sidelined due to shoulder injuries. Despite these setbacks, the Royals remain focused on sustaining their momentum during this important stretch of the season. They are set to face the Rangers again on Wednesday, with rookie left-hander Noah Cameron scheduled to start. The Rangers’ pitching plans have not been finalized yet.
What Bobby Witt Jr.’s Milestone Means for Kansas City and Beyond
Bobby Witt Jr.’s 100th home run marks a significant milestone not only for his personal career but also for the Royals’ renewed ambitions this season. His blend of power and speed positions him as a cornerstone in Kansas City’s lineup and a rising star in Major League Baseball. As the Royals push forward, Witt’s continued development and leadership will be crucial in their race for a postseason spot, potentially influencing their strategy around trades, rotations, and roster moves.