Bobby Witt Jr. is nearing historic 30-30 season. These plays stand out to KC Royals

Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. is not your average power hitter. He is quick to refrain from that label despite his team-leading 27 home runs.

“I’m never trying to hit a home run, so it was just kind of putting the barrel on the ball,” Witt said. “I am letting the pitcher provide the power.”

Witt is focused on being a complete hitter at the plate. He has shown his five-tool skills at different points this season. However, his power and speed combination has placed him on the doorstep of Major League Baseball history.

Witt sits three homers shy of joining MLB’s exclusive 30-30 club. The milestone recognizes players who have reached 30 home runs and 30 steals during a single season.

There have been 62 instances of a 30-30 season. Forty different athletes have reached the milestone in their MLB career. Baltimore Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins was the last player to join the 30-30 club in 2021.

Witt’s pursuit has him in rarefied air. There have only been four shortstops to enter the 30-30 club. The list includes Barry Larkin, Alex Rodriguez, Jimmy Rollins and Hanley Ramirez.

Witt is also looking to be the first Royals player to join the exclusive list. He is halfway there with 38 steals this season. He moved closer with a solo home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday night.

In the minor leagues, Witt nearly had a combined 30-30 season in 2021. He had a stolen base taken away after a weather delay canceled a game. He finished with 33 homers and 29 steals.

“I would love it for him if he could do that for the organization, himself and his family,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “It would be tremendous.”

As Witt chases MLB history, here are five home runs that highlight his impressive 2023 campaign.

Walk-off grand slam against Minnesota Twins (July 28)

This was a fan (and teammate) favorite this season.

In the ninth inning, Witt stepped to the plate against Twins closer Jhoan Duran. The Royals were down 5-4 but had the bases loaded. Duran, who is known for throwing 100 mph fastballs, challenged Witt with his best heater.

Witt blasted a 102 mph fastball over the left-field wall. It was his 17th home run as the moniker “Bobby Baseball” was born.

“I was on third and you just kind of sensed the energy in the stadium,” Royals outfielder Kyle Isbel said. “It was the perfect moment for him. He was swinging the bat really well. It kind of felt like it was going to happen. When it did, it was super surreal and pretty crazy.”

The home run also began a seven-game winning streak. The Royals proceeded to sweep the Twins and New York Mets.

Witt recorded four home runs and 15 RBIs during the streak.

Inside-the-park homer vs. Seattle Mariners (Aug. 14)

Witt showcased his speed with one well-timed hit. In the fifth inning, Witt hit a line drive against Mariners ace Logan Gilbert. The baseball skipped past Mariners outfielder Dominic Canzone and rolled to the wall.

Witt was off to the races. After initially slowing down at first base, he accelerated and reached another gear. Witt slid headfirst into home plate for his 22nd home run.

The home-to-home speed registered in 14.3 seconds. He also had a 30.2 (ft/sec) sprint speed on the home run.

It was his first career inside-the-park home run.

“He flies,” Royals starter Cole Ragans said. “I don’t know how else to explain it. He pulled at first base a little bit on the inside-the-park (homer), and he still got all the way around. Fourteen seconds home to home is pretty quick.”

MLB history vs. Philadelphia Phillies (August 4)

Witt caught the entire league’s attention against the Phillies. He became the first MLB player to ever record at least 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases in each of his first two seasons.

In the third inning, Witt hit a two-run homer off Phillies ace Aaron Nola. The blast tied the game as Witt received boos circling the bases.

The special moment was commemorated by the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The home run also put the pursuit of a 30-30 season squarely in full sight.

“He is a guy that comes in and gets his work done,” Royals infielder Matt Beaty said. “Obviously, (he is) a top-10 player in the league, but ... he doesn’t carry that with him. He is humble and it’s special for sure.”

Two homers, near cycle against Washington Nationals (May 26)

A few feet separated Witt from hitting for the cycle against the Nationals. He went 4 for 5 with two home runs and five RBIs.

In the seventh inning, Witt knew he needed a triple to reach the career accomplishment. He drilled a line drive towards the warning track at Kauffman Stadium. Witt flew out of the batter’s box thinking triple the whole way.

However, he slowed up around second base. It turns out that Witt put a little too much power on the swing. He settled for his ninth home run of the season.

It was a memorable night as the Royals nearly pulled off an epic comeback in extra innings.

442-foot home run vs. Detroit Tigers (June 19)

Witt hit his longest home run of the season against the Tigers. He drilled his 12th home run deep into the left-field seats at Comerica Park.

The home run went 442 feet as it showed his raw power potential.

Witt went 2 for 3 in the game and started to show signs of a key adjustment. He began to showcase an ability to lay off high fastballs and started hitting with power to all fields.

Honorable mention: Grand Slam against Seattle Mariners (August 15)

Royals fans were treated to another highlight at Kauffman Stadium. Witt deposited the home run into the fountains as the Royals attempted to climb back into the game.

Royals second baseman Michael Massey said it was one of Witt’s most impressive feats. He marveled at his ability to essentially golf a baseball over the outfield wall.

“It looked like a two iron,” Massey said. “I thought it was going to be a line drive over the shortstop’s head. It landed in the fountains. I think that one was the most impressive to watch.”

Witt has proved he can hit home runs across all parts of the strike zone. Massey believes it has helped him shine in the second half of the season.

“That is a testament to the quality of at-bats he is getting,” Massey said.

The Royals have 27 games left this season. Witt is on pace to reach 32 homers and 45 steals for the 2023 campaign.

“That’s just him putting all his skills on display,” Royals reliever Austin Cox said. “He’s fun to watch.”