KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – The accomplishments for Bobby Witt Jr. continue to grow. The Kansas City Royals’ superstar shortstop has added one to his ledger: All-Star Game starter.
After earning All-Star reserve player status the previous two seasons, Witt was named the starting American League shortstop for the 2026 MLB Midsummer Classic.
Witt leads the team in runs (44), hits (93), doubles (20), walks (37), stolen bases (29), batting average (.290) on-base percentage (.362) and on base + slugging (.832).
Kansas City Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. hits a single that scored teammate Nick Loftin during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, May 30, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)(LM Otero | AP Photo/LM Otero)
He is also fourth in the major leagues in wins above replacement (4.7).
The Royals’ top pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, Witt has been a mainstay in the lineup since his debut in 2022.
He advanced to the final two voting and beat out Toronto’s Andres Gimenez to earn the start. The 26-year-old will be the third shortstop in club history to start an All-Star Game (Fred Patek – 1978, Alcides Escobar – 2015.
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