Sports
Sources: Collier back to Lynx on supermax deal
Napheesa Collier signs supermax contract to return to the Lynx
ESPN News1 min read
Sports
Unfathomable Bobby Witt Jr. stat is bad news for Royals, AL MVP chances
TL;DR
Bobby Witt Jr. has eight stolen bases and a .371 OBP but has only scored once this season, highlighting the Kansas City Royals' struggles with driving in runs. The team's poor performance with runners in scoring position could jeopardize their chances in the AL Central.
Unfathomable Bobby Witt Jr. stat is bad news for Royals, AL MVP chances originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Kansas City Royals are going to have to start driving in Bobby Witt Jr. when he gets on base.
As a unit, Kansas City is hitting .202 with a .528 OPS with runners in scoring position through 16 games. That's not going to get the job done if they want to contend in the AL Central and clinch a postseason spot.
It's still early, but this stat regarding Witt via Chance Liebau on X is not pretty.
Witt leads the Majors with eight stolen bases and owns a .371 OBP, but has crossed home plate just once this season. For reference, Chandler Simpson of the Tampa Bay Rays, another one of MLB's top speedsters, has stolen seven bases but has also scored nine runs.
MORE:Yankees outfielder once battled ostrich in 11-plate spaghetti-eating contest
Witt finished last season in a tie with Rafael Devers for the 13th most runs scored, as they both crossed home plate 99 times. The 25-year-old's speed and excellent baserunning helped him earn a fourth-place finish in last year's AL MVP voting.
Kansas City is 7-9 through its first 16 games and has plenty of time to turn things around. But a losing season practically shuts the door on Witt's MVP chase. The last player to win the AL MVP on a club with a record below .500 was Alex Rodriguez with the Texas Rangers in 2003.
More MLB news:
Q&A
Why is Bobby Witt Jr.'s scoring stat concerning for the Royals?
Bobby Witt Jr. has a high on-base percentage but has only crossed home plate once, indicating the Royals' inability to capitalize on his base-running skills.
How does the Royals' performance with runners in scoring position impact their season?
The Royals are hitting just .202 with a .528 OPS with runners in scoring position, which could hinder their chances of contending in the AL Central and making the postseason.
What are Bobby Witt Jr.'s current stats compared to other MLB players?
Witt leads the league with eight stolen bases and a .371 OBP, but his single run scored contrasts sharply with Chandler Simpson, who has seven stolen bases and nine runs scored.
