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Witt Jr. Nominated for Player Award by Peers
16 Oct
Summary
- Witt Jr. is a finalist for the AL Outstanding Player Award, voted on by players.
- He competes against Yordan Álvarez and Junior Caminero for the honor.
- This nomination recognizes Witt Jr.'s performance despite the Royals' losing season.
Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals has been recognized by his peers, earning a finalist nomination for the 2026 American League Outstanding Player Award. The MLB Players Association announced the finalists for their Players Choice Awards on Wednesday, October 16, 2026.
Witt Jr.'s competition for this prestigious award includes designated hitter Yordan Álvarez of the Houston Astros and third baseman Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays. The winners are scheduled to be announced the week of October 26, 2026. This nomination is particularly significant as it comes directly from the players Witt Jr. faced throughout the season, distinguishing it from awards decided by writers or coaches.
Despite playing for a Kansas City Royals team that finished with a 69-93 record and last place in the AL Central, Witt Jr. delivered a strong individual performance. Over 143 games, he recorded a .281 batting average, a .359 on-base percentage, 18 home runs, 45 stolen bases, and scored 94 runs. He also made the All-Star team and earned a WAR of 6.7, according to Baseball-Reference, even after a stint on the injured list in late July.
Witt Jr. himself acknowledged the team's disappointing season, expressing a desire to learn from individual and team shortcomings. He emphasized the need to focus on fundamental play and for the club to acquire more talent. His willingness to take responsibility and focus on self-improvement has earned him considerable respect around the league, underscoring his role as the face of the franchise.
