The Kansas City Royals have a number of star players on the roster. Salvador Perez has become a franchise legend, while Maikel Garcia is establishing himself as a star at the big league level. If there is one player fans should be especially thankful for this Christmas, however, it’s Bobby Witt Jr.

Witt, 25, is becoming one of MLB’s best players. Once a highly-regarded prospect, it is safe to say that the shortstop has lived up to the hype. Witt is already a two-time All-Star who has finished within the top seven of MVP voting three times and top four of MVP voting twice.

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In 2024, Witt led the league with 211 hits and a .332 batting average. He led the league in hits once again with 184 in 2025 as well as doubles (47). While he fell short of winning the MVP both seasons, he did earn back-to-back Silver Slugger and Gold Glove Awards.

Witt does it all on the field. He hits for power and average, steals bases, and plays elite defense at a premier position. His stolen base prowess sometimes gets overlooked because he’s such a good defender, but he’s averaged an attention-catching 37 steals through his four big league seasons so far.

For small-market teams such as the Royals, the play of a young superstar sometimes becomes over-shadowed by their upcoming free agency. Witt previously signed an 11-year contract extension so he’s technically under contract for many years to come. His deal does feature opt outs from 2031-2034, but he will remain with the ball club through at least the 2030 campaign.

Before his fifth season in the big leagues, Witt will handle shortstop duties for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Witt is set to be joined by other superstars on the roster such as Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes. The fact that Witt is realistically in the same conversation as those players when it comes to talent and stardom is telling of his undeniable skill level and popularity.

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Royals fans need to be thankful for Witt. He’s already on a Hall of Fame trajectory at just 25 years old. Witt’s next goal after the WBC will be to help lead the Royals back to the postseason and eventually a World Series.

Fans will surely feel confident with the young shortstop leading the way.