Last season, Bobby Witt Jr. had the kind of season that most players only dream of. A .300 batting average, a Gold Glove, a Silver Slugger, and his 30-30 season. By all accounts, he looked like the clear-cut MVP. But then came Aaron Judge.

The New York Yankees‘ powerhouse had a season for the ages, and then just like that, Witt’s historic campaign ended, and he was the runner-up. Sure, the numbers were jaw-dropping, but Judge’s impact was undeniable. And he literally took the Yanks to the World Series—a place they had not been since 2009. As for Witt, the only thing that was left to do was tip his cap.

That’s exactly what he did in a recent sit-down with Mookie Betts. There, the Los Angeles Dodgers star brought up the obvious—how Witt felt, given he had given his all last season and still didn’t win. And who would know what it feels like better than Mookie Betts, who himself was in Witt’s place and Ronald Acuna Jr in Judge’s!

Witt Jr., though, didn’t complain or flinch. Instead, Witt Jr. praised Judge for showing true sportsmanship. “At that point, you just kind of tip your cap. It’s like, man, this is incredible. Just as you’re watching history too over there, just what he’s done and what he’s doing each and every year this year, last year, and years past, so it’s really, it’s fun to watch and just see, and it kind of always motivates you because you’re like, “All right, what can you do to try to get to that level? What do you need to do?” And it’s just, I feel like with him, it’s just how consistent he is each and every day.” 

That motivation is still burning even stronger in 2025. Because Aaron Judge is continuing to put on a masterclass for all. The Yankees slugger leads the majors in every major offensive category: batting average, OBP, slugging, and OPS. And he already has 30 home runs before July.

Witt, however, is putting up all-star numbers, but the MVP conversation? That gap has widened, given it’s like a Judge’s world right now. There is still hope, though, and Witt knows it. Because there is one place he can flip the script, and that’s October. The Yankees eliminated the Royals last year in the playoffs. If Kansas City and New York meet again, Bobby Witt Jr. would be ready. But for now, Bobby Witt Jr. is giving Judge his flowers for sure, but don’t mistake that respect for resignation.

Bobby Witt Jr. misses All-Star start despite tying Royals record

Maybe Bobby Witt Jr. shouldn’t have made greatness look so easy last season. Because now, when he is just plain excellent, it feels like it’s not just enough. On Wednesday night, Witt tied a Royals franchise record by extending his road hit streak to 22 games. He matched Hal McRae’s mark that was set over four decades ago. He went 2 for 2 against the Mariners in a close 3-2 loss. But even in the defeat, he is giving Kansas City something to cheer for.

However, even then, his name was not called when MLB announced its All-Star starters. That went to Oakland’s rookie Jacob Wilson. And he barely edged Witt out in the fan vote, taking 52%—one of the closest runoffs this year. And honestly, no one is discrediting Wilson, but it’s hard not to feel like Witt deserved that starting nod.

Witt Jr., after all, is hitting. 290 and has swiped 23 bags. Plus, he is one of the most dynamic players in the league on both sides of the ball. Now, thankfully, all signs do point to Witt being named an All-Star reserve when those rosters drop on Sunday. However, even without that starting spotlight, there is no doubt that Witt would keep producing.