Bobby Witt Jr. DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Among non-leadoff hitters in 2024, Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who hit second for the team, had the most plate appearances (433) with the bases empty. Witt still impressed with 109 RBI, 211 hits, 32 home runs and a .332 batting average, but the Royals are looking to prioritize quality contact and on-base percentage as they look for a new leadoff hitter this offseason. Royals hitters struck out at just a 19.4% clip (third-lowest in baseball) but also had a .306 on-base percentage (19th). Among players that KC might be looking at include Reds infielders Jonathan India and Spencer Steer and free agent Jurickson Profar. If the Royals explore the trade market, league sources suggest they would listen to offers for left-hander Kris Bubic and right-hander Alec Marsh.

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. went 2-for-5 with a pair of singles in Wednesday's 2-1 series-clinching win over the Orioles. The second of the singles was a grounder up the middle in the sixth inning that he was able to beat out, which scored the go-ahead run and would prove to be the eventual game-winning RBI. The 24-year-old finishes the two-game series 3-for-9 with a pair of RBI and will look to continue his MVP-caliber season in the next round against the Yankees. Gerrit Cole will start Game 1 for New York, whom Witt Jr. has gone 2-for-6 off of in his career.

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. had a historic evening in Tuesday's 3-1 extra-inning loss to the Tigers. Witt Jr. went 0-for-2 with three walks, a strikeout, and his 30th stolen base of the season. The 24-year-old now has 32 home runs and 30 stolen bases this season, his second consecutive season with at least 30 HR and 30 stolen bases. Only six shortstops in MLB history have ever recorded a 30-30 season and Witt Jr. is now the only shortstop to record multiple 30-30 seasons. He has provided everything for fantasy managers this season, slashing .331/.386/.598 with 123 runs scored and 108 RBI in 671 plate appearances. Witt Jr. has cemented himself as a top fantasy pick for the foreseeable future.

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. had another huge offensive game in Monday's 7-6 loss to the Tigers. Witt Jr. went 2-for-4 with a single, a grand slam, five RBI, and a stolen base. The 24-year-old jumped on a third-inning Reese Olson hanging curveball, sending it into the left-field seats for his 32nd long ball of the season. Witt Jr. has provided everything from a fantasy perspective this season, slashing .332/.384/.600 with 122 runs scored, 108 RBI, and 29 stolen bases in 666 plate appearances. His power, speed, and batting average were never in question, but Witt Jr.'s additional counting stats have benefited all season long from the Royals' overall offensive performance.

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (finger) is starting at shortstop and hitting in the two-hole on Wednesday versus the division-rival Cleveland Guardians and right-hander Tanner Bibee at Progressive Field for the series finale with sole possession of the American League Central lead on the line. Witt was hit on the right middle finger in Tuesday's win during a hit-by-pitch in the seventh inning, but strength tests checked out fine, according to manager Matt Quatraro. The All-Star shortstop stayed in the game and seemed OK, and post-game X-rays came back negative. The 24-year-old is in the running for AL MVP this year with how amazing he's been. The matchup isn't great on Wednesday, but Witt is a must-start in all single-year fantasy formats. He currently leads the league in batting average (.346), runs (113) and hits (183) while homering 27 times, driving in 94 and stealing 27 bases in 133 games.