Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. Joins Mets' Pete Alonso, More in 2024 MLB Home Run Derby
July 8, 2024
One of baseball's brightest stars will be on display at the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby.
MLB announced that Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is officially in the field for the 2024 Derby. This will be the first time he participates in a Home Run Derby.
MLB @MLBHe wants to go fast and hit home runs!<a href="https://twitter.com/Royals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Royals</a> superstar Bobby Witt Jr. is in for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HRDerby?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HRDerby</a>!<br><br>(MLB x <a href="https://twitter.com/TMobile?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TMobile</a>) <a href="https://t.co/3Czoj1OeJE">pic.twitter.com/3Czoj1OeJE</a>
He joins a field that already consists of Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson, Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm and New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso.
It will be a homecoming for Witt as he grew up in Coleyville, Texas, which is less than 20 miles away from Globe Life Field, where the event is being held. He said the opportunity to debut in the derby close to home is something he is looking forward to.
"I'm just going to enjoy it, and whatever happens, happens," Witt said, per Anne Rogers of MLB.com. "Just have fun being back in Texas."
It's safe to say that Witt has earned this opportunity. The 24-year-old is quickly rising to superstardom, with his 2024 season serving as his best season yet. He is currently hitting .324/.372/.564 with 15 home runs and 61 RBIs. He is on pace to beat his career highs in batting average (.276), home runs (30) and RBI (96) and is an MVP candidate in the AL.
His strong play has also been huge for the Royals, as the team is a playoff contender. Kansas City is currently 49-43 and sit just outside the third Wild Card spot. This comes from a franchise that went 56-106 in 2023 and has not reached the postseason since it's 2015 World Series title.
Witt will get the chance to showcase his talents on a major stage at the Derby before embarking on a crucial second half with the Royals.
The 2024 Home Run Derby is set for Monday, July 15.
