2023 Kansas City Royals fans were treated to an unexpected surprise courtesy of Jeff Passan. The MLB insider revealed the details of a massive contract extension between the team and their star shortstop, Bobby Witt Jr. This deal, valued at $288.8 million over 11 years, is quite intricate. Depending on various factors, it could be a seven-year agreement worth $148 million or a 14-year pact totaling $377 million. The outcome hinges on the decisions made by Witt and the club. But before delving into the specifics, let’s take a look at Witt’s reaction on Twitter. He shared a clip from “The Wolf Of Wall Street” where Leonardo DiCaprio emphatically declares, “I’m not leaving.”
Royals fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Witt will be staying put for the foreseeable future. The first seven years of the contract are fully guaranteed and will earn Witt a sum of $148 million. Following that, Witt will have the option to opt-out after each subsequent season, beginning with the eighth year and continuing through the tenth. If he chooses to remain in the deal each year, the Royals will have the opportunity to extend the contract for three additional years at a value of $89 million. Should this occur, the total worth of the contract would reach $377 million over 14 years. Considering inflation and Witt’s potential as he enters his prime, this move is likely to be viewed as a stroke of genius in the future. At just 23 years old, Witt has already demonstrated his prowess with a 30-homer, 49-steal season and exceptional skills as a shortstop. He is the cornerstone of the Royals’ franchise, and the team has every intention of competing for an extended period, building their roster around Witt’s immense talent.