To say that it has been a brutal season for the Kansas City Royals would be quite the understatement. Posting the second-worst record in the American League, the Royals have disappointed in many ways. But despite their miserable 35-75 record, there have been a few positive moments.

Perhaps the best of those have been provided by Bobby Witt Jr.

Witt hit his 20th home run of the season Friday night against the Philadelphia Phillies and he also stole a base, his 32nd of the season. He became the first player in Major League history to hit at least 20 home runs and steal at least 30 bases in each of his first two seasons.

The Royals shortstop hit exactly 20 home runs and stole 30 bases in 2022, his rookie season. He played in 150 games as a rookie and slashed .254/.294/.428. Witt also drove in 80 runs during his rookie season. Meanwhile, he has continued to advance in his second season with the Royals. He is slashing .269/.307/.474 and he has knocked in 64 runs.

So in a lost season full of dull and down moments, it’s nice to see the future of the franchise is the true bright spot.