Kansas City Royals superstar Bobby Witt Jr. -- seen as one of the brightest young talents in Major League Baseball and a leading contender for the 2026 American League MVP -- has made his own major league decision, this time about his own faith. Witt decided to be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit through the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Catholic Church.
Witt has been placed among the baseball greats in recent years, finishing second in AL MVP voting in 2024 and fourth in 2025 (behind Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, and José Ramírez). Witt also won the Platinum Glove (awarded to the best overall defender in MLB) in 2025 with nearly nightly highlight-reels showing his extraordinary talent on the field.
But the 25-year-old shortstop, known for his breathtaking “Superman” headfirst dives, rocket throws, and five-tool excellence, was focused on something else when he received the sacrament last week. Photos from the ceremony show Witt surrounded by his wife, Maggie, his parents, sisters, and their families.
The moment was shared publicly by Fr. Zachary Burns, the Franciscan friar who administered the sacrament and has known Witt for years. Posting from his account @zachsquatch.tor, Fr. Burns wrote:
“One of my great joys as a priest is to be able to celebrate the sacraments: those visible signs of God's invisible love. Today I had the awesome opportunity to administer the sacrament of confirmation to my friend @bwitter7 !”
Those who know Witt say his greatest strength has always been off the field. Witt has long been described as humble, generous, and family-oriented — regularly hosting youth baseball camps that raise money for families battling ALS, visiting schools, and living his Catholic faith quietly but consistently. He and his wife Maggie (whom he married in December 2024) split time between Kansas City during the season and the Dallas-Fort Worth area in the offseason, where Fr. Burns serves as parochial vicar at Good Shepherd Catholic Community in Colleyville, Texas.
Faith and rivalry
Fr. Burns also spoke highly of Witt’s faith in the post. “Bobby is a man of quiet conviction and deep faith, and I know he’s going to be a bold witness for Jesus in the clubhouse, on the baseball field, and in the eyes of so many young people who look up to him.”
While Fr. Burns showed great pride in Witt’s decision to be confirmed, their shared faith didn’t stop the baseball rivalry! The priest made a plea to Witt: “Congrats, man! And best of luck this season (just go easy on my Yanks, please).”
No doubt Witt will do his best for the Kansas City Royals, a team he’s been a part of now since he was the second overall pick in the 2019 MLB draft, right out of high school -- and a longtime rival of the New York Yankees.
Fr. Burns even proposed a final "prophecy":
“Also, with the fullness of the Holy Spirit dwelling in you, MVP is on lock.”
From the Catechism
Bobby Witt Jr.’s decision to seek the “Most Valuable Faith” reminds us what truly matters. As the 2026 season begins, Royals fans — and Catholics everywhere — have one more reason to cheer for the young shortstop who is clearly not only chasing an MVP trophy, but living for something eternal.
Congratulations, Bobby! May the Holy Spirit continue to guide you, strengthen you, and make you a bold witness for Christ – on and off the field!
