The Kansas City Royals on Monday signed Bobby Witt Jr. to an 11-year, $289 million contract, keeping the face of the franchise with the club long term. The deal is the largest contract in team history, besting Salvador Perez’s four-year, $82 million deal.
“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 statement. “This city and this team have felt like home since Day 1, and it’s an honor to have the opportunity to continue to represent KC.”
Last year Witt hit .276 with 30 home runs and 96 RBIs while stealing 49 bases in 158 games, making him the first player in Royals history to have a 30-30 season. As a rookie in 2022, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound shortstop hit .254 with 20 homers and 80 RBIs.
Coming off a 106-loss season last year, the Royals embarked on the biggest offseason spending spree in team history, signing several free agents costing more than $100 million. Now with Witt locked up the team is hoping that will all help persuade Jackson County voters to extend the 3/8 sales tax and help pay for a new stadium downtown.
But that aside, Witt will receive $2 million this season, and the contract buys out his remaining three years of arbitration and the next three seasons after that. Then there’s a series of opt outs with player options and club options. Here’s a breakdown of the contract:
2024: $2 million
2025: $7 million
2026: $13 million
2027: $19 million
2028: $30 million
2029: $35 million
2030: $35 million
2031: $35 million (player option)
2032: $35 million (player option)
2033: $35 million (player option)
2034: $35 million (player option)
*There’s also a three-year, $89 million club option
2035: $33 million
2036: $28 million
2037: $28 million
So Witt will be in a Royals uniform through at least the 2030 season.
“We are extraordinarily proud to announce a historic deal with a very special player,” Royals owner John Sherman said in a statement. “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.”
The Royals planned a Tuesday news conference to discuss Witt’s signing.
