Witt Wins Heart & Hustle Award Third Time
The Kansas City Royals shortstop becomes the first player to claim the honor three times.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Baseball
Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals was named the 2026 Heart & Hustle Award winner, the third time he has won the honor. He is the only player to win the award three times since it was established in 2005.
Why it matters
The award recognizes players who best embody hustle and determination on the field, and Witt's repeated wins reflect a sustained high level of play. His 2026 season also placed him among the American League's leaders in several key metrics.
Witt posted a 7.0 fWAR and 24 Outs Above Average in 2026, both leading the American League, with a .281 batting average over 143 games. The vote breakdown among nominees and voting bloc weights were not disclosed.
The players
Bobby Witt Jr.
Shortstop for the Kansas City Royals who has been a leading offensive and defensive presence in the American League.
Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association
The organization that presents the Heart & Hustle Award and draws on former players to select nominees.
Craig Biggio
Former Houston Astros player who won the Heart & Hustle Award in 2006 and 2007.
The details
Each of the 30 Major League teams nominates one player, selected by a committee of former players. The overall winner is chosen by votes from fans, alumni, and active Major League players.
Timeline
2005: Heart & Hustle Award established by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association.
2006-2007: Craig Biggio wins the award in consecutive years.
2026 season: Witt posts the statistics that led to the award.
November 6, 2026: Witt named 2026 Heart & Hustle Award winner.
Next Thursday: AL MVP Award winner set to be announced on MLB Network.
Roadmap
Witt's three Heart & Hustle wins place him ahead of Craig Biggio's back-to-back honors in 2006 and 2007, the previous benchmark for repeat recipients. The result extends a pattern of recognition for Kansas City's shortstop as the Royals' core player.
Witt's MVP finalist status and bid for a third straight Silver Slugger at shortstop make him a key name to watch in award-season coverage and fantasy projections. A third Silver Slugger would make him the first American League shortstop to win the award three years running.
The takeaway
Witt's three Heart & Hustle Awards and his statistical leadership in 2026 show a player whose impact extends past the box score. Fans following the Royals can track his continued development through the coming award announcements.
What happens next
The AL MVP Award winner is set to be announced next Thursday on MLB Network, where Witt is a finalist.
Further reading
Explore more Kansas City Royals coverage for the team's season and player news.
