Bobby Witt Jr. has been selected to participate in the upcoming MLB All-Star festivities next week. The 24-year-old Kansas City Royals shortstop earned his spot on the All-Star team on Sunday, and it was announced on Monday that he will also be taking part in the Home Run Derby. Witt will be competing against other talented players such as Gunnar Henderson, Pete Alonso, Alec Bohm, Marcell Ozuna, and Jose Ramirez.
With two more participants yet to be revealed, the eight-man field will be complete for the event scheduled to take place on July 15. Witt, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, is having a standout season, boasting impressive stats including a .324 batting average, 15 home runs, 61 RBI, and 22 stolen bases through 92 games. He currently leads the American League in hits and doubles.
Alongside Witt, the Royals will be represented by Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, and Salvador Perez at the All-Star game. The team currently holds a 49-43 record, sitting in third place in the AL Central and trailing by 1.5 games in the race for the final wild-card spot.
This year’s Home Run Derby will feature a modified format to reduce the risk of injuries, with batters limited to 40 swings in the first two rounds that retain a three-minute time limit. This adjustment aims to maintain the excitement of the event while prioritizing player safety.