How will Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. fare in 1st Home Run Derby? Fellow All-Stars weigh in

Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. is set to take center stage during the T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

And it will be a homecoming of sorts.

Witt grew up in Colleyville, Texas and his family is deeply rooted in the Lone Star state. His father, Bobby Witt Sr., played 11 seasons with the Texas Rangers. His son would go on to set records as the 2018-19 Gatorade National Player of the Year.

The younger Witt has an opportunity to introduce himself to a national audience Monday night. He is one of eight participants in the 2024 Home Run Derby.

“It’s more excitement than anything,” Witt said Monday afternoon. “It’s an honor to be here and I’m just really excited.”

Witt will compete against two-time derby winner Pete Alonso, Gunnar Henderson, Adolis Garcia, Alec Bohm, Teoscar Hernandez, Jose Ramirez and Marcel Ozuna.

The winner will have to navigate a set of new rules. It will be a challenge, but several fellow All-Stars believed Witt could get the job done.

“I’ve hit against him in Home Run Derbies when we were younger,” American League All-Star Riley Greene said. “I think he is going to do pretty well. I have seen it live and he has got some power.”

Witt won the 2018 High School Home Run Derby at Nationals Park. He edged now-Cincinnati Reds rookie Rece Hinds for the title.

On Monday night, Witt will look to replicate history against a crowded field.

“I’m excited to see him and Gunnar (Henderson),” National League All-Star Trea Turner said. “We were in Baltimore not too long ago and saw Gunnar hitting some BP (batting practice), which is impressive.

“Seeing those young guys you don’t play with or be around a lot, just to see what they’re like and how they swing the bat, I think it’s really exciting. Those are my two I’m excited to watch here.”

Turner will have a rooting interest in Bohm, his Philadelphia Phillies teammate. However, it’s possible Witt could match up with him in the later rounds.

“I’m rooting for him,” National League All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams said. “You know, Bobby’s got a lot of power and you are going to see it tonight.”

As for a prediction for the number of home runs Witt could hit, his supporters had some lofty numbers in mind.

“First place … 100 percent,” Royals pitcher and fellow All-Star Seth Lugo said. “My son said 60 (homers) and I am thinking 75.”

Royals captain Salvador Perez agreed. Perez, a nine-time All-Star, believes Witt could come out with a strong display in the first round.

“Twenty-five or 28 (homers),” Perez said. “I think he is going to win the Home Run Derby.”

Perez will be right by Witt’s side. He has a strategy in mind to help keep Witt fresh as he matriculates through the rounds.

“Water and towel and a little bit of hydration,” Perez said of his role in support of Witt for the derby. “Cool him down a little bit.”

Perez participated in the 2021 Home Run Derby. Witt will become the fifth Royals player to take part. It’s possible he becomes the Royals’ first individual derby winner in franchise history.

In 1991, Danny Tartabull hit two home runs to help the American League squad defeat the National League at the Toronto Skydome (known now as the Rogers Centre). The derby was a team event back then.

“I think I was more nervous making the decision if I wanted to do the Home Run Derby than anything,” Witt said.

Witt’s brother-in-law, James Russell, will pitch to him. Russell, who played seven major-league seasons, is primed to help Witt realize a childhood dream.

“Now I’m just ready to enjoy it all,” Witt said.