Bobby Witt Jr.'s impact is all-encompassing, and it isn't limited to what he does on the field.
On Friday, the Royals shortstop was named the 2026 Heart & Hustle Award winner by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA), becoming the first player to receive the honor three times since it was established in 2005.
“It’s an honor to receive this award,” Witt told MLB Network. “One of my favorite awards I’ve gotten. I just try to play the game to my best ability and go out there and give 100% of what I got, each and every night.”
Witt, 26, had already joined Hall of Famer Craig Biggio, who won in 2006 and '07, as the only players to earn the award twice. Now, he stands alone with three consecutive wins.
Created by the MLBPAA, the Heart & Hustle Award recognizes an active player who demonstrates a passion for baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game. Each of the 30 teams has one nominee selected by a committee of former players, with fans, alumni and active Major League players voting to determine the overall winner.
For Witt, the motivation comes from knowing that each game could hold a different meaning for the fans in attendance, whether it's a child's first visit to Kauffman Stadium or a trip someone spent months saving for.
“The fans that come out to Kauffman … they’re special,” Witt said. “That’s why I feel like I play the game with heart and hustle. I try to go out there and leave it all on the field because you never know who is watching you.”
Witt has been Kansas City's nominee in each of his first five Major League seasons, establishing himself as one of the game's top all-around players while also making an impact in the clubhouse and community.
That continued in 2026, when Witt hit .281 with 18 home runs, 33 doubles and 45 stolen bases in 143 games. His 7.0 WAR, according to FanGraphs, led the American League and ranked second in the Majors behind the Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong (10.6).
Witt also became the first player in Major League history to record at least 10 home runs and 25 stolen bases in each of his first five seasons.
Witt’s defense remained among the best in baseball, with his 24 Outs Above Average leading the AL and ranking third in the Majors, according to Statcast.
Away from the field, Witt has also helped introduce baseball to younger generations. The alumnus of MLB Develops was named MLB’s first Major League PLAY BALL Ambassador in 2025, a role that encourages youth participation in baseball and softball.
As a kid, Witt remembers watching Dustin Pedroia and Derek Jeter, whose approaches to the game influenced his own.
“That is why I wore [No.] 17 in high school, 15 and 2,” Witt said. “Those two guys, the way they [played] the game hard on the field and the way they handled what [was] off the field, it was awesome to watch.”
The Heart & Hustle Award is the latest recognition for Witt this offseason. He was named a finalist for the AL Most Valuable Player Award alongside the Astros' Yordan Alvarez and the Rays' Junior Caminero, with the winner set to be announced Thursday on MLB Network.
Witt is also a finalist for his third consecutive Silver Slugger Award at shortstop. If he wins, he would become the first AL shortstop to earn the honor in three straight seasons since Jeter won four consecutive awards from 2006-09.
Lastly, he was named a Gold Glove Award finalist after winning the honor in each of his previous two seasons.
But as Witt looks ahead to 2027, his focus remains on improving his game and returning Kansas City to the postseason.
Along with refining each of the traditional five tools, Witt wants to improve what he considers a sixth: his mentality and ability to stay mentally strong throughout the season.
And with the support of the Royals organization, Witt has his sights set on bringing winning baseball back to Kansas City.
“That is what makes it so special,” Witt said. “[But now] I’ve been there for a couple years of my life and now you want to win, bring the championship back, get back in the playoffs. Get back to where we should be, so now that’s the ultimate goal. That is the standard we have to set. I don’t want to be getting done before October ends.”