Bobby Witt Jr. enjoyed a strong rookie campaign with the Kansas City Royals in 2022.
The 22-year-old burst onto the scene and hit for a .254 average while crushing 20 home runs, stealing 30 bases, and posting an on-base percentage of .294 and a slugging percentage of .428.
It wasn’t enough for him to top Julio Rodriguez in the race for the American League Rookie of the Year Award, but it was impressive.
However, Witt believes that things can only better from here.
Yesterday, MLB analysts Yonder Alonso and Stephen Nelson stopped by the Royals spring training camp in Arizona and caught up with Witt, who discussed his goals for 2023 and how he plans to build off of his 2022 success.
"I think this year is going to be an even better year…I'm really looking forward to it."@BwittJr is ready for 2023 following his 20-HR, 30-SB breakout season as a @Royals rookie. ⭐️#SpringTraining | #RoyalsST | @StephenNelson | @YonderalonsoU pic.twitter.com/271HCqYax6
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 21, 2023
Witt first mentioned how important it was for him to be able to play a full season.
The Royals slugger appeared in 150 games in 2022.
He talked about the importance of staying healthy and also discussed what he learned over the course of the season, which he says helped him prepare for 2023.
Alonso asked then asked Witt about the stigma around the so-called “sophomore slump,” which occasionally happens to younger players after a strong first season in the big leagues.
Witt responded by saying that he doesn’t think it will be a problem and cited the lessons he has learned as reasons why he believes his second year will be even better than the first.
Finally, the 22-year-old was asked about the Royals’ chances of bouncing back from a 97-loss season.
The young shortstop believes that the team’s young core could be a key factor as they look to prove their doubters wrong.
NEXT: Amir Garrett Discusses His Expectations For The Royals
