As if they really needed to, the Royals have denounced any notion that Bobby WittJr. will be traded
“He’s not going anywhere,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said Tuesday. “Bobby’s a Royal. He’s not going anywhere.” This season, Witt drew some interest from other teams ahead of the 2026 Major League Baseball trade deadline. The Boston Red Sox reportedly inquired about Witt’s availability — via Alex Speier of The Boston Globe. The Royals maintained their stance. Witt is viewed as a franchise cornerstone
and Picollo doubled down on that notion at the meetings.
Here is how the Royals plan to bolster their bullpen
The top guys are clearly David Bednar, Adrian Morejon and Rasiel Iglesias. They will command big salaries and could be outside the Royals’ price range. Both Bednar and Morejon received qualifying offers from their respective teams. They have until Nov. 17 at 3 p.m. Central to make a decision. This season, the qualifying offer is one year worth $23.15 million. It’s unlikely the Royals will make a significant push for those relievers. Instead, the club could build its bullpen with a sum-of-its-parts approach.
Bobby Witt Jr. was announced for the third time, as a First TeamAll-MLB selection.
For the third consecutive year, Bobby Witt Jr. was named shortstop on the All-MLB First Team during Wednesday night’s 2026 MLB Awards presented by MGM Rewards from The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
With the honor, Witt became the first shortstop to earn three All-MLB First Team selections since the awards were introduced in 2019.
The All-MLB Team recognizes the top players at each position across the Major Leagues, with selections based solely on their regular-season performances. Fan voting accounted for 50 percent of the results, while a panel of media members, broadcasters, former players and other baseball officials determined the other half.
Witt also became the first 3-time winner of the Heart & HustleAward
Bobby Witt Jr.’s impact is all-encompassing, and it isn’t limited to what he does on the field.
The Royals shortstop was named the 2026 Heart & Hustle Award winner by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA), becoming the first player to receive the honor three times since it was established in 2005.
“That’s the ultimate goal, to go out there and play every day for your teammates and the fans and for your family,” Witt said while receiving the honor at the MLB Awards presented by MGM Rewards. “I just play the game as hard as I can and I’m going to try to do it for as long as I can.”
Witt, 26, had already joined Hall of Famer Craig Biggio, who won in 2006 and ’07, as the only players to earn the award twice. Now, he stands alone with three consecutive wins.
Matthew Swigonski of Kings of Kauffman listed some potential Carlos Estévezreplacements
Could the Royals get some outfield help from the Phillies? Brian Burrows of Kings of Kauffman talks about it
Yirsandy Rodríguez of Royals Keep talks about four starting pitching optionsfor the Royals in free agency
Here is a full list of MLB’s first and second All-MLBteams.
Milwaukee Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowskiand New York Yankees phenom Cam Schlittler won the Cy Young award last night
Yordan Alvarez and Pete Crow-Armstrong were named the 2026 Hank AaronAward winners last night as well
Colton Cowser’sgame-ending home run robbery was named the Premier Play of Year
Yordan Alvarez also won the Edgar MartinezOutstanding Designated Hitter Award last night
Alvarez also won Comeback Player of the Year (What can’t he win? Because he will probably be MVP too.) Zack Wheelerof the Phillies also won it
Here is your song of the day: I’m Still Standing by Elton John
