's impact is all-encompassing, and it isn't limited to what he does on the field.

On Friday, the Royals shortstop was named the 2026 Heart & Hustle Award winner by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA), becoming the first player to receive the honor three times since it was established in 2005.

Witt, 26, had already joined Hall of Famer Craig Biggio, who won in 2006 and '07, as the only players to earn the award twice. Now, he stands alone with three consecutive wins.

Created by the MLBPAA in 2005, the Heart & Hustle Award recognizes an active player who demonstrates a passion for baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game. Each of the 30 teams has one nominee selected by a committee of former players, with fans, alumni and active Major League players voting to determine the overall winner.

Witt has been Kansas City's nominee in each of his first five Major League seasons, establishing himself as one of the game's top all-around players while also making an impact in the clubhouse and community.

That continued in 2026, when 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 behind the Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong (10.6).

Witt also 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 defense remained among the best in baseball, with his 24 Outs Above Average leading the AL and ranking third in the Majors, according to Statcast.

The Heart & Hustle Award is the latest recognition for Witt this offseason. He was named a finalist for the AL MVP Award alongside the Astros' Yordan Alvarez and the Rays' Junior Caminero, with the winner set to be announced next Thursday on MLB Network.

Witt is also a finalist for his third consecutive Silver Slugger Award at shortstop. If he wins, he would become the first AL shortstop to earn the honor in three straight seasons since Derek Jeter won four consecutive awards from 2006-09.

Lastly, he was named a Gold Glove Award finalist after winning the honor in each of the previous two seasons.