Throughout history, many great shortstops have played the game of baseball, including stars like Derek Jeter, Cal Ripken Jr., and Alex Rodriguez. Yet, no Shortstop has ever had back-to-back 30/30 seasons. Bobby Witt Jr. and Francisco Lindor are on pace to break history by being the first shortstops ever to put together back-to-back 30/30 seasons.
Two Shortstops On Pace To Make History
Francisco Lindor And Bobby Witt Set To Make History
The beginning of Bobby Witt’s career has inspired Royals fans, who now know the franchise’s future. Salvador Perez led the team in many categories for many years, but now Witt has begun to take over. Bobby Witt’s first year in the league saw him hit 20 homers and drive in 80. Witt then hit 30 homers last season and used his speed for a great 30/30 season, where he swiped 49 bags and drove in 96 for Kansas City. This year, Witt has exploded for 25 home runs, 25 steals, and an insane .352 average. Although Witt has fewer steals, he is on pace for 32 homers and will almost certainly be the AL League Batting Champion.
As for Lindor, he is already among the best Shortstops to ever play the game. Lindor is on pace for his 5th season with at least 30 home runs and his 4th season with at least 20 steals. His first year in New York saw a lot of disappointment; however, he has exploded since. In 2022, although Lindor hit only 26 home runs (compared to a career-high 38), he drove in 107 runs, the first time in his career that he drove in more than 100. Lindor, in 2023, secured the first 30/30 season since David Wright. And then this year, although he had an abysmal start to the season, he has made himself an MVP candidate. Lindor has swiped 25 bags this year and hit 24 home runs while also driving in 72 runs.
Can They Win MVP?
Bobby Witt’s year will see him reach 30 homers and 30 steals pretty easily, and although Aaron Judge Soto and others have done well, Witt should be considered a genuine MVP candidate. Witt has single-handedly led the Royals in every category. His average of .352 will almost certainly beat out any other player trying to secure the batting champion title. Steven Kwan, who initially looked sure to have a fantastic average, has dropped his average to .313 this season. Meanwhile, other players do not have much chance of catching Witt.
As for Lindor, he may have an even bigger case than Witt. Especially since his rival MVP candidates will likely be Designated Hitters, he is the NL Leader in WAR and has not stopped flashing the leather. Lindor deserves the MVP, some might argue, just for the abysmal start to the season he had. The rebound he had propelled the Mets to the NL Wild Card race.
In conclusion, for the first time, two shortstops will reach great milestones this season that have never been seen before in the history of the game.
Main Photo Credits: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
