Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. on pace to have stat line last accomplished in 19th Century
During the 1896 season, outfielder Jesse Burkett led the National League in games played, runs scored and hits while playing for the Cleveland Spiders.
Although the Spiders would be contracted a few years later, that 1896 team had three future Hall of Famers: Pitcher Cy Young and outfielders Bobby Wallace and Burkett.
That 1896 season was the best of Burkett’s career. He led the National League in batting average (.410), hits (240), runs scored (160), at-bats (586), plate appearances (647) and games played (133).
It may seem odd to be talking about a player whose game was in 1905 and died in 1953. But since that 1896 season, no player has led the league in games played, runs scored and hits.
However, Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is on pace to do that after an 0 for the 20th Century by Major League Baseball players. Witt is batting .340 and leads the league in games played (102), runs (82) and hits (138).
Opta Sports was the outlet that found that link between Witt and Burkett.
The @Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. is currently leading MLB in hits, runs & games played this season.
The only player to finish a season leading MLB in all three categories was Jesse Burkett in 1896. pic.twitter.com/zb6tjsDnZ9— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) July 23, 2024
If you like historic comparisons, check out this incredible list of players Witt is on pace to join based on his fWAR (FanGraphs’ Wins Above Replacement). Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Jimmie Foxx and Rogers Hornsby are among the greatest players in baseball history.
Bobby Witt Jr. is on pace for 10.7 fWAR.
That'd be the 8th best season in the live ball era by a player 25 years old or younger.
He'd have some solid company...#Royals pic.twitter.com/5EDAQvvGe4— Josh Keiser (@joshkeiser40) July 23, 2024
ESPN’s Jeff Passan noted that the American League Most Valuable Player race is going to be incredible.
Major League Baseball has a new leader in Wins Above Replacement, and it's Bobby Witt Jr.
American League MVP voting this year is going to be diabolical. pic.twitter.com/667h4wk6GL— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 23, 2024