ICYMI: Royals signs another key man to league contract deal
The Royals were once the pride of Kansas City—a young, up-and-coming baseball team that shocked the sports world by reaching the World Series in 2014 and winning it all in 2015. However, in the years since, they’ve experienced some tough times, while the NFL’s Chiefs have risen to global prominence, led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes to two Super Bowl victories in the past four years. Mahomes has a chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy again on Sunday when the Chiefs face off against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII.
Meanwhile, the Royals are eager to reclaim their place in the spotlight. On Monday, the franchise made a significant move that could reshape its future and potentially bring them back to championship contention in the coming years.
Inside the Royals’ comm-Witt-ment
On Monday, the Royals finalized an agreement with shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. on an 11-year contract extension valued at a guaranteed $288.8 million. This deal marks the largest financial commitment in Kansas City’s franchise history, which dates back to 1969, and it effectively sidesteps any potential discussions about trading their star player.
The contract also includes a team option for an additional three seasons after the 2034 season. If exercised, the total value of the extension would reach $377 million over 14 years.
.@Royals, Bobby Witt Jr. agree to 11-year extension. pic.twitter.com/GpAnuBzdjM
— MLB (@MLB) February 5, 2024
Witt built on a strong rookie season in 2022 with an All-Star caliber performance in 2023. The 23-year-old posted a .276 batting average, hit 30 home runs, and stole 49 bases, all while leading MLB with 11 triples. As the #2 overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, Witt also showcased exceptional defense at shortstop and is considered a future Gold Glove contender at the position.
Witt’s contract extension is the first step in the Royals’ efforts to forge a new identity and usher in a new era, which they hope will include a brand-new ballpark in downtown Kansas City. In two months, voters will decide on a ballot referendum that proposes a tax increase to fund a replacement for the 55-year-old Kauffman Stadium and renovations for Arrowhead Stadium next door.
Mahomes also signed into the next decade
Unlike Witt, Mahomes’ long-term future in Kansas City has never been uncertain. The Chiefs recognized his potential when they selected him 10th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft and wasted no time in securing his future with a massive contract extension in 2020 as soon as he became eligible.
Mahomes is locked in with Kansas City through the 2031 NFL season, thanks to the 10-year, $450 million deal he signed in 2020. While other quarterbacks have since signed contracts with higher annual salaries, Mahomes’ extension remains the largest financial commitment to a single player in NFL history.
Super Bowl LVIII QBs:#Chiefs Patrick Mahomes $450 Million over 10 years.#49ers Brock Purdy $3.737 Million Rookie Contract.
(h/t @FOS) pic.twitter.com/ch4aLfyKmH
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 29, 2024
With Mahomes and now Witt secured for the long term, Kansas City has the potential to once again become a powerhouse in both baseball and football—a city that other teams must overcome if they want to claim championships in the coming years.