EVERYTHING. That’s what the Bobby Witt, Jr. extension means to the Royals and Royals fans alike. February 5th marked one of the best days in Royals’ history since the 2015 World Series win. On Twitter and other social media platforms, you could see Royals rejoicing everywhere at the news that Bobby Witt, Jr. signed a $288.7 million extension.
Matthew Robinson broke down the extension earlier, but the deal starts this season and could at least run through 2034 with a team option that could carry it three more years through 2037 (a possible 14-year deal). The deal can range anywhere from $288.7 over the 11 guaranteed seasons to $377.7 million over the 14 years if the Royals pick up the team option.
Starting after the 2030 season, Bobby Witt, Jr. has four opt-outs (years seven, eight, nine, and ten of the contract). At the very least, that means the Royals are guaranteed to have Witt, Jr. for the next SEVEN seasons. He also received a $7.7 million signing bonus, which you must love for number 7. You can see the financials per year as tweeted out by Mark Feinsand
The crazy part about all of this is that if Witt’s contract goes the full 14 years, the $377.7 million would be the third-largest contract in the history of baseball, just behind Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout. It’s also the first contract with 10+ seasons in Royals history. This deal means so many things for the Royals, Bobby Witt, Jr., and for Royals fans. As I mentioned at the top, it means everything.
First, it shows that Witt, Jr. is committed and dedicated to Kansas City. He ain’t leavin’! Say what you want about the opt-outs, but even with those in the contract, he stays in Kansas City through age 31. The opt-outs provide the Royals and Witt, Jr. plenty of opportunities to renegotiate the contract. This extension shows the Royals and Royals fans that he wants to be in Kansas City and that he wants nothing more than to win in Kansas City.
Rumors came out that Witt, Jr. wanted the team to show that they were a bit more serious about winning, and the Royals did just that this offseason. They went out and got the likes of Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Kyle Wright, Hunter Renfroe, and Will Smith. You have to imagine that played an important role in getting this deal across the finish line. The Royals’ commitment to trying to win showcased to Witt, Jr. that they want to put a competitive team around him.
Second, as just discussed, it shows that the Royals are committed to winning not just for Bobby Witt, Jr. but for Royals fans and Kansas City. There has been a lot of push to build a new stadium downtown. What better way to revitalize your fan base than to sign your star player to a long extension and put pieces around him that can make this club a contender?
With the extension coming on the heels of the Kansas City Chiefs playing in another Super Bowl, Kansas City fans are thriving and alive again! The Royals want to bring back the ability to revitalize the city and the fanbase like the Chiefs do year in and year out. And they’ve done an incredible job bringing themselves back to relevance this offseason.
Thirdly, this is the largest contract the Royals have ever dished, and rightfully so. The Royals have had their fair share of “good” players over the last few decades. Alex Gordon is as big of a legend as it comes. Salvador Perez has been a steadfast leader over the years. But the team hasn’t had a SUPERSTAR player locked up like Bobby Witt, Jr. since George Brett. Witt, Jr. will be the face of this franchise for years to come and for decades after his career is over.
It is not often you come across those players on your teams, and you knew the Royals knew that. They know they have something special in Bobby Witt, Jr., and it was only a matter of time before they did whatever they could to try their best to make him a long-time Royal. Royals fans were patient, and it was one hell of a way to cap off an already exciting offseason.
As soon as I got word of the news today, it brought a huge smile to my face and pure excitement for the 2024 season. Royals writers, content creators, and fans could share that excitement. It’s a new day in Kansas City. It’s a new day for Royals baseball. Bobby Witt, Jr. is officially #ForeverRoyal, and it feels so damn good.
