Bobby Witt Jr., the highly touted baseball prospect, recently made headlines as he signed a groundbreaking deal with the Kansas City Royals. The 11-year, $288.8 million contract has sent shockwaves throughout the sports world, making Witt one of the highest-paid players in Major League Baseball history.
This deal signifies more than just a massive payday for a young athlete; it represents a shift in how teams invest in their future. Witt, only 21 years old at the time of signing, has yet to play a single game in the major leagues. However, his exceptional skills and potential have convinced the Royals that he is worth such an unprecedented investment.
Kansas City Royals are in agreement on an 11-year, $288.8 million contract extension, sources told ESPN, a staggering guarantee that will keep the young star in Kansas City as the Royals attempt to build a team -- and a new stadium -- with him at the center.
Witt, 23, who is entering his third major league season, was one of the best players in baseball last year, prompting the Royals to lavish upon him a deal that includes superstar money with flexibility as well. The contract will allow Witt to opt out after the seventh, eighth, ninth and 10th years, sources said. It also includes a club option after the 11th season that would tack on three years and $89 million to the contract, giving it a 14-year, $377 million ceiling.
Álex Rodríguez, who went 40/40 in 1998. Witt Jr.’s sophomore season earned him 7th place in the American League Most Valuable Player voting.
While Witt has played like one of the top shortstops in baseball and has received one of the game's largest contracts, he won't receive a large payday right away. He's set to make $2 million in 2024 and $9 million in 2025 before his salary spikes up to $13 million in 2026 and $19 million in 2027, according to MLB.com.
Witt's salary will reportedly eventually climb up to $30 million in 2028 and reach its peak value of $35 million in 2029. He'll earn $35 million in 2030 before having a player option in his contract for the next four seasons, which are each worth $35 million, MLB.com. reported.
Multiple teams' internal projection systems regard Witt as one of the 10 best players in baseball and see MVP-type seasons in his future. During his first season, Witt showed flashes of greatness, and when fans stumped to ensure he'd remain with the Royals, he said that he didn't want to look too far ahead but that "I want to be here for a long time.
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