Witt again recognized in AL MVP voting, finishing 4th
This browser does not support the video element.
KANSAS CITY -- When the Royals signed Bobby Witt Jr. to his 11-year extension nearly two years ago, one of the many reasons they wanted to commit to the young shortstop was because they viewed him as a perennial MVP candidate.
Two seasons in a row now, he’s made good on that belief.
Witt finished fourth in American League MVP voting, with the final tally announced Thursday night as part of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America’s week of awards. Aaron Judge took home the honors for a second consecutive season, while Cal Raleigh finished second. Guardians third baseman José Ramírez finished third, just nine points ahead of Witt, who finished with 215 points. Witt was named on all 30 ballots, including in third place nine times, fourth place 19 times, fifth place once and seventh place once.
The finish marked Witt’s second consecutive top-five finish in AL MVP voting following his runner-up finish in 2024. While the narrative surrounding this year’s MVP campaign rightfully zeroed in on Judge and Raleigh, Witt was still lurking, mainly because of his all-around talent. Witt’s 8.0 fWAR was third-best in the AL behind Judge (10.1) and Raleigh (9.1). Witt’s 7.1 bWAR also finished behind Judge (9.7) and Raleigh (7.4) as the top three in the AL.
Witt slashed .295/.351/.501 in 2025 with 23 homers, 38 stolen bases and a Majors-leading 47 doubles. His 184 hits were tops in baseball for the second consecutive year. His .852 OPS ranked seventh in the AL. He was named an AL Silver Slugger at the shortstop position for the second consecutive season.
Witt was also one of the best defenders in the game this season, evidenced by his second consecutive AL Gold Glove at shortstop, along with his first career Platinum Glove. His 24 outs above average, per Statcast, were the most in the AL and tied for the most in MLB with Pete Crow-Armstrong.
This browser does not support the video element.
While his numbers didn’t quite match his exceptional and historic 2024 season, Witt was still one of the best players in the league in 2025, and all signs point to him still growing as a player and leader in the clubhouse. That’s great news for the Royals, who view their window of contention wide open right now with Witt – their MVP-caliber star player – as the centerpiece.
Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia was named on four AL MVP ballots in ninth (three ballots) and 10th (one) for a 15th-place finish. Earlier in the week, starter Noah Cameron finished fourth in AL Rookie of the Year voting.