Bobby Witt Jr. signs biggest contract in Kansas City Royals history: Details here

The Kansas City Royals wrapped up their busy offseason with one final move. And it was a monumental one.

The Royals on Monday signed shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. to a 14-year contract extension with 11 years guaranteed — a record for the KC organization, and one of the longest in Major League Baseball history.

The deal is worth $288.7 million, per ESPN insider Jeff Passan. It will include multiple opt-outs after the seventh year. Opt-outs will be available after the seventh, eighth, ninth and 10th years.

A three-year club option could accelerate the deal. The contract’s total value can reach $377.7 million over a 14-year period, per Passan.

Witt, just 23, enjoyed a career season in 2023, with 30 home runs and 49 stolen bases. He’s the first Royals player with a 30-30 campaign.

Now, Witt will remain in Kansas City for the foreseeable future.

“From the moment I was drafted in 2019, the entire Royals organization and fans have treated me and my family like their own,” Witt said in a team news release. “This city and this team have felt like home since day one, and it’s an honor to have the opportunity to continue to represent all of KC. I am incredibly grateful to the Sherman family and the Royals front office for believing in me, and I promise to do everything in my power to help bring championship baseball back to Kansas City!”

The Royals selected Witt with the second overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft. He immediately became a fan favorite. And he has a baseball pedigree: His father, Bobby Sr., played for 16 seasons with multiple major-league teams.

Witt quickly ascended through the Royals’ system. He made his big-league debut during the 2022 season, just three years after being drafted. While the Royals tried him at third base, Witt found his spot at shortstop.

He recorded 20 home runs and 80 RBIs and stole 30 bases during his rookie season. As a result, he finished fourth in American League Rookie of the Year voting.

Last season, Witt put on an encore performance. He powered the Royals’ offense and emerged as a clubhouse leader. He produced a litany of memorable highlights, including an inside-the-park home run against the Seattle Mariners and walk-off grand slam against the Minnesota Twins.

Witt also made MLB history by becoming the first player to record least 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases in each of his first two professional seasons.

“From the day we drafted him we felt confident Bobby would become one of our game’s brightest stars and biggest talents,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said. “These last two seasons have been confirmation of that talent, and proof that he’s an even better teammate. We know he wants to win here for our fans as much as we do.”

The massive contract extension for Witt sent shockwaves throughout the majors on Monday. And it was certainly welcomed in KC. For several years, Royals fans had questioned whether Witt would sign a long-term agreement here.

And then, this offseason, Witt made clear his desire to remain with the Royals. On Saturday, Royals owner John Sherman was coy about ongoing negotiations when asked their status at the team’s annual Royals Rally. However, it was clear that both sides were continuing to talk.

“I feel pretty good about the conversations,” Sherman said Saturday. “I don’t want to say too much about it but I’m pleased that we’ve been very engaged with him and his team. Bobby’s a special player. We’d love to keep them here for a long time and we’re working hard on trying to get that done.”

Things progressed quickly over the next 48 hours and Witt is now entrenched as the latest face of the organization. He is set to spearhead a revamped roster that will be looking to compete more consistently during the 2024 season.

The Royals this offseason have signed major-league veterans Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Hunter Renfroe, Garrett Hampson, Adam Frazier, Will Smith and Chris Stratton. KC also added pitchers Nick Anderson and Kyle Wright in separate trades.

Each of those players has spent time on winning teams. The Royals hope to snap an eight-year drought without a winning record. KC finished 95-67 in 2015 and then won the second World Series title in franchise history.

The Royals have lost 100 or more games three times since winning the World Series. Last year, KC finished 56-106 and tied the franchise record for most losses in a season.

The results didn’t sit well, and Witt expressed a desire to win for the fan base.

“The fans, we’ve got to show them more,” Witt said during the Royals’ final home stand of 2023. “We lost over 100 games, and it’s not really acceptable. We’ve gotta get back to work this offseason and get ready to prepare for the next year and get after it.”

The Royals showed a willingness to spend in free agency once the season ended. They committed more than $100 million to free agents and that was a positive sign to their returning players.

Witt has joined teammate Vinnie Pasquantino in adopting a “brick by brick” mentality. They’ve shared social media posts with brick emojis after each free-agent addition.

And now, armed with a huge new contract, team brass believe Witt can help the Royals take the next step toward being competitive in the American League Central again.

“We are extraordinarily proud to announce an historic deal with a very special player,’” Sherman said. “Like our fans, I’m thrilled that this ensures Bobby will compete in a Royals uniform for many years to come. Bobby makes us better, and I’m grateful for his commitment to our fans, our city and our team.”