It did not take long for Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. to make history on Tuesday night.
Witt drew a one-out walk in the bottom of the first. He then stole second as catcher Salvador Perez struck out, swiping his 30th base of the season. That steal made Witt the first shortstop in MLB history to record multiple 30 homer/30 steal seasons in his career.
It is even more impressive given that Witt is finishing his third season in the majors.
Witt has taken another step forward in his third major league season. The 24-year-old had posted a .332/.384/.600 batting line in his 666 plate appearances entering tonight’s action, hitting 32 homers and 43 doubles.
He leads the majors in batting average, runs (122) and hits (200). Witt has also played every game for the Royals this season, an impressive accomplishment given his position on the diamond.
A first-time All-Star this season, other accolades could follow. Witt has been a key part of the Royals’ unexpected resurgence and playoff push. Bet MGM currently lists Witt as the second favorite for the AL MVP at +800, trailing only Aaron Judge. As Judge is no longer on pace for 60+ home runs, the door may be open for Witt to take home some hardware.
Witt Jr. will have to settle for making history for now. His second 30/30 season may not be the last as he continues to set the bar higher with each season.
