What would it take to sign Bobby Witt Jr. to a long-term contract?
Bobby Witt Jr. is enjoying a solid rookie season. He is the fifth player to hit at least 20 home runs and steal at at minimum 20 bases in his first season, and he made the Opening Day roster. Witt is guaranteed to get a full year of service time this year, so he is eligible for free agency in 5 years.
The Royals might be wise to keep Bobby in Kansas City a bit longer with a long-term deal. Julio Rodríguez and Michael Harris II have already signed long term contracts before completing their first season.
Bobby Witt Jr. is one of the MLB's top rookies. Bobby, Michael Harris and Rodríguez are all in their early 30s and would be eligible for free agency before their 28th birthday. They are good hitters with good power and good exit velocity. The Braves signed Michael to an eight-year, $72 million deal. The contract has two club options worth $15 million in 2031 and $20 million in 30th year. It's worth an average annual value of $9 million. Michael's previous contract was worth as much as $200 million, but some people were surprised that his contract wasn't more lucrative.
Witt is getting a seven-year contract worth $105 million. He is also getting the security of $15 million AAV. The contract is more than what he could get under club control. It is worth it because he is giving up two years of free agency. He has $7.7 million owed to him through his draft signing bonus. His dad works as an agent. If he makes it to 2029 having put up 4 WAR seasons each year, he will have put more WAR by age 30 than any other Royals hitter other than George Brett and Willie Wilson. They have seen at least two Rookie of the Year Award winners flame out rather quickly in Bob Hamelin and Angel Berroa.
Royals have the closest thing to a potential superstar on their roster since Carlos Beltrán. They would be wise to get Witt to the bargaining table for a long-term deal.
20% of people would offer Bobby Witt Jr. a seven-year, $105 million contract. 1% would only offer him $1 million less. 6% don't think the Royals should sign him yet.
What would it take to sign Bobby Witt Jr. to a long-term contract? 20% would offer more, 1% less, and 6% don't think the Royals should sign him yet.
