Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. agrees to largest contract in franchise history

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. will be in Kansas City for the foreseeable future, after the club announced a historic contract extension, on Monday.

The team did not officially announce the terms of the deal yet, but MLB.com reported that Witt Jr. and KC came to an agreement for an 11-year deal worth $288.8 million. The 23-year-old shortstop will also reportedly have an option for three more years, which could keep him in Kansas City until 2037. MLB.com also said that extra three-year term will carry a $377.7 million value.

The deal is the largest in franchise history, but it's also the first KC contract to span more than 10 seasons.

Witt Jr. had his best season in a Royals uniform in 2023, despite a fifth place finish in the American League Central. He hit .267 with 30 home runs and 49 stolen bases in that season, while also playing defense good enough for a Golden Glove award. He also ended up seventh in MVP voting.

The Royals and Witt Jr. will play their first preseason game on Feb. 23 against the Texas Rangers. First pitch is at 2:05 p.m. Meanwhile, Opening Day is on March 28 at Kauffman Stadium.