In baseball, some plays are simply routine. Others, however, defy physics and expectations entirely. They are moments of pure athleticism that leave fans and sometimes fellow players breathless. Kansas City’s superstar shortstop, Bobby Witt Jr., is building a career on these moments. His glove work often looks like a form of art. But one recent play was so spectacular, it sparked a bold social media exchange.
The episode was dated June 8. The Kansas City Royals were in a close game with the Chicago White Sox. With the game on the line, the Royals ultimately pulled out a 7-5 victory. Witt Jr. had already done his part on the offensive side, collecting a pair of hits in five at-bats, including a two-run homer. But his biggest moment came in the bottom of the ninth. With the reliever Carlos Estevez on the mound, a line drive off the bat. It was a kind of guaranteed hit, but ‘Bobby Baseball’ had other plans. What happened next left everyone in awe.
Witt Jr. launched himself through the air. He snagged a searing 84.5 mph line drive for the out, a defensive gem of the highest order. Following the game, his teammate Estevez shared a clip of the incredible diving play on Instagram Story with the caption: “What a Player!” tagging Witt Jr., who quickly reposted the story. But instead of thank-you, he honored Estevez with a simple, yet powerful, two-word caption: “My !! @CARLOSESTEVEZ28.”
For a player of Witt Jr.’s stature to call his reliever the “Greatest of All Time” says a lot, especially for the team spirit. And it’s no wonder Estevez is so appreciative. After all, the young shortstop is the pitcher’s best friend. This season alone, Witt Jr. has been a defensive wall, validating his Gold Glove ability. Offensively, he’s slashing a great .291 with 8 homers and 21 steals. That’s reflected in his 3.5 Wins Above Replacement (WAR).
Manager Matt Quatraro sees this daily and still believes fans haven’t even seen Witt Jr. at his best yet. “He can do a lot of different things,” Quatraro stated. “I don’t believe we’ve seen him at his best this season.” Praise also comes from legends. Former MVP Dustin Pedroia called him a “phenomenal example” for young players. This shows the respect Witt Jr. commands across generations. The admiration from all corners of the sport is impossible to ignore.
Bobby Witt Jr.: A new era of shortstop
It’s been a remarkable defensive evolution for Bobby Witt Jr. After a tough rookie season defensively, BWJ improved very quickly. In 2023, he put up an excellent 14.7 defensive value. He repeated that performance in 2024 with an even better 17.5 mark 2024, earning his first Gold Glove. That award made him the first shortstop since 2015 to win a Silver Slugger as well. He demonstrates that he is truly elite on both sides of the ball. This is the standard of defensive excellence he is playing at now.
Of course, you can’t talk about ‘Bobby Baseball‘ without talking about the bat. His career statistics are eye-popping. In 2023, he slugged 30 home runs and swiped a league-best 49 bases. He subsequently had a 2024 season for the ages. He was the MLB batting champion with a. 332 average and 32 home runs. This was good for a 10.4 WAR, breaking a franchise record once set by the great George Brett, who is also the only shortstop ever with multiple 30-30 seasons.
MLB, Baseball Herren, USA 2024: ALDS Yankees vs Royals OCT 10 October 10, 2024: Kansas City Royals designated hitter Vinnie Pasquantino 9 hits an RBI double, scoring Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. 7, not shown, against the New York Yankees during the sixth inning of game 4 of the American League Division Series at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. David Smith/CSM/Sipa USA Credit Image: David Smith/Cal Media/Sipa USA Kansas City Kauffman Stadium Mo United States of America NOxUSExINxGERMANY PUBLICATIONxINxALGxARGxAUTxBRNxBRAxCANxCHIxCHNxCOLxECUxEGYxGRExINDxIRIxIRQxISRxJORxKUWxLIBxLBAxMLTxMEXxMARxOMAxPERxQATxKSAxSUIxSYRxTUNxTURxUAExUKxVENxYEMxONLY Copyright: xCalxSportxMediax Editorial use only
And most importantly, these moments of defensive wizardry are becoming his signature. Beyond the recent snag for Estevez on June 8, there are many more. Just days earlier, on June 5, he made a full-extension “Superman” diving catch against the Cardinals to rob Iván Herrera of a hit. Then there was the play on his own birthday, June 14, when he made an over-the-shoulder basket catch against the Dodgers and turned it into a double play. He once speared a line drive from MVP Aaron Judge. His elite speed, one of the fastest in the league, allows him to reach balls others simply can’t.
BWJ’s performance has helped lift the Royals, who currently sit at a 34-32 record. They are a team on the rise, with their superstar shortstop leading the charge. Witt Jr. isn’t just playing baseball; he’s changing the game one jaw-dropping play at a time. What legendary feat will he accomplish next?
The post Bobby Witt Jr. Drops Bold “GOAT” Take After Jaw-Dropping Athleticism Leaves $22M Teammate in Awe appeared first on EssentiallySports.
