Royals Star Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. Predicted To Win WBC MVP

The 25-year-old is expected to lead Team USA to victory in the World Baseball Classic.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Team USA is the favorite to win the 2026 World Baseball Classic with its star-studded roster, and MLB.com's Thomas Harrigan predicts that Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. will be named the tournament's MVP. Witt, a two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger, is poised to play a key role for Team USA after only getting limited playing time in the 2023 WBC.

Why it matters

Witt is considered one of the brightest young stars in baseball, and a WBC MVP performance would further cement his status as an elite player. Team USA is looking to avenge its 2023 WBC loss to Japan, and Witt's emergence as a leader could be crucial to the team's championship aspirations.

The details

Witt has established himself as one of the best young players in baseball, nearly winning the American League MVP award in each of the past two seasons. The 25-year-old is a two-time All-Star, Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner who led the American League in hits and doubles last season. Despite Team USA boasting one of the most stacked rosters in the tournament, it would not be surprising to see Witt stand above the rest and lead Team USA to victory.

  • Team USA will open up the WBC against Brazil on Friday.

The players

Bobby Witt Jr.

A 25-year-old shortstop for the Kansas City Royals who is considered one of the brightest young stars in baseball, with two All-Star selections, a Silver Slugger award, and a Gold Glove award to his name.

Shohei Ohtani

A Los Angeles Dodgers superstar who was named the MVP of the 2023 World Baseball Classic after leading Japan to victory over Team USA.

Mike Trout

A former teammate of Shohei Ohtani who was struck out by Ohtani in the dramatic finish of the 2023 World Baseball Classic final.

Thomas Harrigan

An MLB.com writer who predicts that Bobby Witt Jr. will be named the MVP of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“An American MVP aligns perfectly with our staff's Team USA championship pick. Witt over Judge is a surprise, but hardly a stretch given the shortstop's emergence as one of baseball's brightest stars.”

— Thomas Harrigan, MLB.com writer (MLB.com)

What’s next

Team USA will open up the WBC against Brazil on Friday.

The takeaway

Bobby Witt Jr.'s predicted MVP performance at the 2026 World Baseball Classic would further cement his status as one of the game's elite young players and could help lead Team USA to avenge its 2023 tournament loss to Japan.