Kansas City Royals made right move with Bobby Witt Jr

The Kansas City Royals had a difficult decision to make when it came to Bobby Witt Jr. Although he was not expected to break camp with the Royals, he had impressed with the lumber during spring training. His approach at the plate, and his continued success, belied his professional inexperience and youth.

On Monday, the idea that Witt would be a part of the Opening Day lineup was officially put to rest. He was sent to the Royals’ minor league camp, along with three other prospects.

Kansas City Royals make right move with Bobby Witt Jr.

Considering how well Witt has acquitted himself with the bat this spring, it is easy to claim that the Royals are looking to manipulate his service time. However, that is not the way the Royals operate. They bring players up when they are ready regardless of service time considerations. Just look at Brady Singer last year.

In this case, it is a matter of not rushing a player that will be a key part of the Royals’ future. Witt has 37 games of professional experience on his resume, all of which came in the rookie level Arizona League. He has not looked as comfortable at second as he has at short, helping make this decision easier.

With Adalberto Mondesi seemingly locked in as the Royals’ shortstop of the present and future, Witt is going to need to move to another position. Considering that Nicky Lopez has not exactly lit the world afire with his bat, second base seems to be the most likely option.

Witt’s time is going to come. In fact, he is likely to be back in the majors at some point this year once the Royals are comfortable with his defense, either at second or any other position that they look to move him to. Likewise, the Royals could just move Mondesi to second, although he has not played there since 2017.

The Kansas City Royals made the right move with Bobby Witt Jr. The bat may be ready for the majors, but his defense still needs work.