The Kansas City Royals named shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. their nominee for Major League Baseball’s 2026 Roberto Clemente Award on Monday, hours before the club opened a three-game series against the Houston Astros.
The announcement arrived as Kansas City tried to snap a two-game skid after dropping a weekend series to the Boston Red Sox.
The Royals entered Tuesday at 66-84, 11 games behind the Chicago White Sox in the American League Central and well out of wild-card contention.
Every MLB team submitted one nominee Monday ahead of Roberto Clemente Day, which the league observes each Sept. 15 at the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Kansas City chose Witt for the second straight year.
“Representing the game of Baseball through extraordinary character, both on and off the field,” the Royals posted. “We’re immensely proud of who Bobby Witt Jr. is both on and off the field, and we’re proud to have him as our 2026 Roberto Clemente Award nominee!”
The award goes to the player who best represents baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions on and off the field.
MLB created the honor in 1971 and renamed it for Roberto Clemente in 1973 after the Pittsburgh Pirates star died in a plane crash while flying relief supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.
Witt has used his platform in Kansas City to support families affected by ALS.
Over the past three seasons he has hosted youth clinics for more than 400 children, helping raise more than $150,000 for groups such as Sarah’s Soldiers, Susanna Smiles and the Team Hilliard Foundation.
He also works as a Classroom Champion in the Royals Literacy League, visiting elementary schools and encouraging reading among Kansas City students.
Royals owner John Sherman said the shortstop’s efforts go beyond appearances.
“Just like all Royals fans and Kansas Citians, I’m grateful for the way Bobby has personally embraced and lifted our hometown,” Sherman said. “He doesn’t just show up for the photo op or put his name on something.”
“We have children in our public schools, young baseball and softball players, and others facing significant challenges in their lives who’ve been touched by Bobby’s inspiration.”
Witt is hitting .280 with 18 home runs, 54 RBIs and 40 stolen bases in 131 games this season. Baseball-Reference credits him with 6.3 wins above replacement.
The 26-year-old remains one of the American League’s most complete shortstops even as the Royals play out a last-place finish.
Tuesday’s game in Houston falls on Roberto Clemente Day. Players across the majors will wear a No. 21 patch, and nominees have the option to wear Clemente’s number.
A panel that includes representatives from the commissioner’s office, Capital One, MLB networks and Clemente’s children will choose the winner. Fan voting through Sept. 27 counts as one vote on that panel. The recipient will be honored during the World Series.
Former Royals catcher Salvador Perez won the award in 2024. Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts received it in 2025. Witt also won the 2025 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award for his ALS work.
Kansas City opens the series Tuesday night at Minute Maid Park looking to finish the regular season with a few wins.
