Bobby Witt Jr. Voted Top Candidate for World Baseball Classic MVP

Kansas City Royals star shortstop expected to play key role for Team USA in international tournament

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The World Baseball Classic is officially back, and Kansas City Royals superstar shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. has been voted by a panel of MLB.com experts as the top candidate to win MVP of the tournament while representing Team USA. Witt, who previously served as a reserve for Team USA in 2023, is expected to play a key role as the starting shortstop and leadoff hitter this time around.

Why it matters

This will be Witt's first time entering the World Baseball Classic as a starter, after previously serving as a reserve in 2023. Witt has quickly established himself as one of baseball's best players, and winning MVP of the prestigious international tournament would add another impressive accolade to his already impressive track record.

The details

Witt has already gathered several major awards and accolades in his four-year MLB career, including Gold Gloves, a Platinum Glove, All-Star selections, and Silver Sluggers. Being voted the top candidate for World Baseball Classic MVP by MLB.com experts shows the type of impact Witt is expected to have on a Team USA roster filled with outstanding talent.

  • The World Baseball Classic is officially back in 2026.
  • Witt previously served as a reserve for Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

The players

Bobby Witt Jr.

A Kansas City Royals superstar shortstop who has been voted the top candidate to win MVP of the 2026 World Baseball Classic while representing Team USA.

Team USA

The United States national baseball team competing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“Then, I was just a part of it and learned so much from it, not only through the Team USA side of it but also just as a baseball player itself, being around those all stars, those legends. I know now more than ever, everyone wants to win.”

— Bobby Witt Jr. (The Athletic)

The takeaway

Bobby Witt Jr.'s expected MVP-caliber performance at the 2026 World Baseball Classic will showcase why he is considered one of baseball's rising superstars, as the young Kansas City Royals shortstop looks to lead Team USA to victory on the international stage.