Bobby Witt Jr. Makes History With Third Straight Heart & Hustle Award
Bobby Witt Jr. became the first three-time Heart & Hustle Award winner after earning the MLB honor for a third consecutive season.
World Baseball News Editorial Team , 2 min read 
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. became the first three-time winner of Major League Baseball’s Heart & Hustle Award on Friday, November 6, after the MLB Players Alumni Association selected him for the honor for a third consecutive year.
Witt moved ahead of Hall of Famer Craig Biggio, the only other player to win the award twice. Biggio received it in 2006 and 2007, while Witt has now claimed the overall honor in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Witt stands alone in award history
Established in 2005, the Heart & Hustle Award recognizes an active player who demonstrates passion for baseball and embodies the game’s values, spirit and traditions. Committees of former players select one nominee from each MLB team before fans, alumni and active players vote on the overall winner.
Witt has been Kansas City’s nominee in each of his first five major-league seasons. His third straight overall award makes him the first player to win it three times in the honor’s 21-year history.
“Bobby represents our game the way it should be represented,” MLBPAA president Jim Thome said in the award announcement. Thome cited Witt’s work, dedication and consistency on and off the field.
A complete 2026 season
The award followed another all-around season for the 26-year-old Royals star. Witt hit .281 with 18 home runs, 33 doubles and 45 stolen bases in 143 games. His 7.0 fWAR led the American League and ranked second in the majors.
Witt also led the AL with 24 Outs Above Average, the third-highest total in MLB, according to Statcast. He became the first player in major-league history to record at least 10 home runs and 25 stolen bases in each of his first five seasons.
His influence extends beyond the box score. The MLBPAA highlighted Witt’s support of ALS awareness initiatives and his work helping provide baseball opportunities for young players through community clinics.
Witt is also a finalist for the 2026 American League MVP Award alongside Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez and Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero. The MVP winner is scheduled to be announced on November 12.
The Heart & Hustle result gives Witt a unique place in the award’s history before the rest of MLB’s major individual honors are decided.
