Bobby Witt Jr. has been a force in the AL this season. Witt has become a part of the same conversations that have names like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto – the MVP talks. Witt Jr. is a huge contender given what he produced for his team, and there is also some good news for the slugger. He has won his first Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award. This is major because he is the first shortstop in Royals history to win this award. Moreover, the praise from Mets legend Ron Darling only elevates his status.

Darling called Bobby Witt Jr. ‘the best all-around player in the game’, and even placed him next to a prime Mike Trout. During Tuesday’s MLB Network show, Mets Hall of Famer Ron Darling compared Witt Jr. to Trout, one of the game’s greatest. Darling added: “We’re gonna talk about him like we talked about Mike Trout eight years ago. The best all-around player in our game.” Indeed, Witt has been impressive enough to compete with none other than Aaron Judge for the American League MVP . 

Witt, the dynamic Royals shortstop, brings a well-rounded game with speed, defense, and consistent hitting. He is challenging Judge, the Yankees’ slugger, who combines home run power and leadership to anchor his team. While Juan Soto of the Yankees is also in the conversation, analysts predict the real battle will come down to Witt’s all-around excellence versus Judge’s star power. With both players having had standout seasons, this MVP race is going to be exciting.  

Can Bobby Witt Jr. win the MVP award this year? 

While Aaron Judge remains the favorite to win the AL MVP, Bobby Witt Jr. has done more than enough. The 24-year-old Royals shortstop has put together a stellar 2024 campaign, which includes his second consecutive 30-30 season. He has hit 32 home runs this season, Witt’s highest total yet. Since debuting in the majors, Witt has been a constant threat on the base paths. 

His rookie campaign saw him swipe 30 bags, and in his second season, he pushed that number to 49. In 2024, he swiped 31 bases. Combine that with his home run surge, moving from 20 homers in 2022 to 30 in 2023 and now 32 in 2024. Witt Jr. has become a player who can impact the game in virtually every way. Beyond his offensive contributions, Bobby Witt Jr.’s play at shortstop has also turned heads.  

Witt Jr’s rapid development over the past few seasons has only amplified his potential, and with each year, it’s becoming clearer that he could be a future MVP winner. While Judge still remains the frontrunner for the award, Witt’s performance in 2024 has made it a much tighter race. Bobby Witt Jr. might not just be a future MVP contender, but perhaps an MVP in the making right now.

Does Witt Jr. deserve the MVP award this season? What’s your take? Let us know below.