Aaron Judge & Shohei Ohtani's historic season overshadowing Bobby Witt Jr.'s excellence, says Jack Flaherty

Despite having a tremendous season with the Kansas City Royals, Bobby Witt Jr. isn't receiving as much attention as his counterparts. Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty thinks it has to do with the incredible performances of his teammate Shohei Ohtani and Yankee Aaron Judge.

Ohtani is on course for a historic 50 homer and 50 steals season, while Judge is on course to break the record he previously set for the most home runs in a season in the American League. As a guest on the "On Base With Mookie Betts" podcast, Flaherty compared the performances of Witt and Ohtani:

"They can't [talk about his season] cuz of [Aaron] Judge and Shohei [Ohtani]. It's one of those where he's put together a special year but it's just the wrong time where you got Judge and [Ohtani]. It's tough," Flaherty said [Timestamp 37:01].

Despite the two superstars overshadowing Witt, Flaherty is high on the shortstop, and believes the Royals will be in the post-season.

"[Kansas City Royals] have that year, and then going to the playoffs, it's like probably going to be in the playoffs and everything and what he's been able to do for them - special," Flaherty added [Timstamp 37:22].

During the podcast, host Mookie Betts agreed with Flaherty's assessment of Ohtani and Witt.

"It's like everybody's talking about his [Witt's] season but they're not talking about his season... his season is ridiculous... [but] it's just bad timing [to perform at the same time of Ohtani's and Judge's historic season]," Betts said [Timestamp 36:56].

The Royals are second in the AL Central division, trailing the Cleveland Guardians. If all goes well without any massive setbacks, KC might clinch the number 2 seed in the playoffs.

Bobby Witt Jr. says Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani are must-see TV

Despite being just 24-years-old, Bobby Witt Jr. has shown maturity far beyond his age. USA Baseball manager Mark DeRosa calls Witt one of the best players in the world, and teammate Salvador Perez believes he has the potential to be one of the best Royals ever.

Aaron Judge's presence might put Witt out of reach for the AL MVP. However, he did win the Royal's Heart and Hustle Award. After winning, Witt Jr. joined the MLB Network's Off Base where he revealed who he thinks is must-watch TV in baseball:

"What Aaron Judge is doing is really special. Just to see him each and every night doing what he's doing. [Shohei] Ohtani kind of and obvious answer. And Gunnar Henderson, one of my good friends' team...watching him do what he's doing is pretty special...I think Elly De La Cruz is another one...I'm trying to kind of get to his level in stealing bases," sad Witt Jr. [Timestamp 5:25].

Royals shortstop also gave props to his team's entire pitching staff. Witt said KC's pitchers have an integral role and he feels their collective effort is why the team has become serious contenders in the 2024 season.