In a sport loaded with superstars, Bobby Witt Jr. might be baseball’s greatest all-around threat. The shortstop can hit for contact and power, fields his position better than anyone, and can steal a bag for good measure. Add it all up, and you have a building block for years to come in Kansas City.
The Royals enter tonight’s contest as slight favorites (-112) vs. the Orioles, with the over/under set at 7.5 runs. Ahead of Friday’s matchup, here’s my favorite Bobby Witt Jr. player prop bet on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Bobby Witt Jr. over 1.5 total bases (-105)
If not for Aaron Judge, Witt Jr. would have been named the 2024 American League MVP. The 25-year-old put together a jaw-dropping campaign, carrying the Royals to their first postseason in nearly a decade. Last season, the Silver Slugger hit a league-leading .332 while recording 32 home runs, 109 RBIs and 31 stolen bases. However, through six games this year, he’s only hit .240 with 0 home runs and three RBIs.
On paper, Friday has the makings of a low-scoring affair. Kansas City will send ace Seth Lugo to the mound, while Baltimore will counter with quality arm Dean Kremer. Witt Jr. has done well against the Orioles’ starter, notching three hits in eight at-bats, including a home run. It’s a small sample size, but enough to believe that the All-Star could thrive tonight.
Witt Jr. has been a thorn in Baltimore’s side for some time now. Over his last 15 games against the O’s, the fourth-year pro has hit .318 with three homers and eight RBIs. BWJ’s elite combination of contact and power makes total bases the way to go tonight. Whether it comes via two singles or one extra base hit, the leadoff hitter should have ample opportunity to rake.
It hasn’t been a scorching start for KC’s face of the franchise. That’s not really much of a concern; this isn’t the kind of hitter to suffer from a prolonged slump. Against a pitcher and team he’s had success against, Witt Jr. is a solid bet to snag a few bases.
