KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. will be making his third All-Star Game appearance, but this time he’ll do so as a starter.
Witt was selected by the fan vote as he got the most votes for a shortstop in the American League for the Midsummer Classic on July 14 in Philadelphia.
“It’s an honor being able to get this opportunity,” Witt said Saturday. “I’m thankful for all the fans who voted and put me in this situation. It’s amazing and to be able to share it with teammates, it’s great.”
Witt received the news from manager Matt Quatraro before Saturday’s game against the Phillies. Royals starter Michael Wacha was also selected. He’ll be making his first All-Star appearance since 2015 when he was with the Cardinals.
Witt will be the third Royals shortstop to start an All-Star Game, joining Freddy Patek (1978) and Alcides Escobar (2015).
Witt didn’t pay much attention during the fan voting but got updates from his mother.
“I didn’t look at it at all,” Witt said. “She was like, ‘Oh, you’re leading the vote,’ and I was like, ‘All right, thanks, Mom.’”
Witt participated in the Home Run Derby in 2024 but said he likely will not participate in that this time, instead focusing on the game itself and enjoying that.
“You can prepare a little bit before now and not coming off of the bench,” Witt said. “It’s an honor to be announced in the starting lineup whenever it is. It’ll be fun.”
