Bobby Witt Jr.’s 100th Homer: Is He Headed for Royals Legend Status?

By Oliver Wiener August 21, 2025 19:44

The Kansas City Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. etched his name in franchise history on August 19, 2025, with the milestone 100th career home run, a majestic 449-foot blast to center field in the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers. At just 25 years and 66 days old, Witt became the youngest player in Royals history to reach the century mark, surpassing the legendary Carlos Beltrán’s previous record. This milestone is more than just a personal achievement it is a signal that Witt may be on the fast track to Royals legend status.

Witt’s homer was not just a milestone but a statement. It extended the Royals’ lead to 5-2 in a tightly contested game, eventually sealing their fifth consecutive win. The home run was a product of an intense nine-pitch battle against relief pitcher Cole Winn, culminating in Witt driving a cutter perfectly over the center field wall at Kauffman Stadium. “It’s special,” Witt said about joining an exclusive group of players who have recorded at least 100 home runs and 100 stolen bases within their first four major league seasons. “Just seeing the kind of names on that list… it’s special. We enjoy it. But right now, we’re trying to win ballgames.” Witt’s humility highlights his team-first mentality even while preparing for superstardom.

Joining Witt on that elite list are New York Mets’ Darryl Strawberry, Pittsburgh Pirates’ Barry Bonds, and Seattle Mariners’ Julio Rodríguez. Witt’s combination of power and speed is indeed rare in baseball, which underscores why his trajectory is so promising. His 2025 season stats batting .291 with 32 home runs and 31 stolen bases reflect a player who is not only powerful but dynamic on the bases. Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino praised Witt's talent, saying, “He’s one of the best players in the league for a reason. He’s a superstar. And that at-bat was incredible. It kind of took the wind out of their sails. For him to do that… it put a statement on that game.”

This milestone homer comes at a pivotal moment for the Royals, who have been surging in recent weeks. With seven wins in their last eight games, Kansas City sits just 2.5 games out of a wild card spot in the American League. Witt’s leadership on the field and his elite performance provide the Royals with a strong foundation as they push toward the postseason. At just 25, his blend of youthful energy, consistent production, and clutch performances positions him as a cornerstone for the franchise’s future success.

Historically, reaching 100 homers at such a young age places Witt among some of baseball’s luminary shortstops, including Alex Rodriguez, Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, and Hanley Ramírez. In nearly a century, only six shortstops have achieved 100 homers by this age, and Witt’s additional base-stealing threat highlights his extraordinary all-around skill set. This rare blend fuels speculation that Witt is not just a contributor but a potential Royals legend in the making.

In summary, Bobby Witt Jr.'s 100th home run is much more than a milestone; it symbolizes the dawn of a potentially storied career. As he continues to excel with power, speed, and clutch hitting, Witt is undeniably on the path to becoming one of the Kansas City Royals' all-time greats. His achievements at such a young age already place him among baseball's elite, and Royals fans have every reason to believe that the best is yet to come.

Witt’s journey is just beginning, but the question is no longer if he will be a Royals legend it's how soon and how magnificent that legacy will be. This young star's game is one to watch, not just in Kansas City, but across Major League Baseball.