Kansas City Royals: Breaking Down Record Payroll for 2016
By Joel Wagler
KC Royals Payroll for 2016: The Rotation
It is a bit difficult to estimate the rotation and the bullpen because there are several scenarios that could play out. The Royals have two open spots in the rotation heading into spring training if nothing untoward should happen with the three pitchers who should be locked in.
- Edinson Volquez – $9.5 million
- Jason Vargas – $8.5 million
- Ian Kennedy – $7.5 million
- Kris Medlen – $5.5 million
- Chris Young – $4.25 million
- Yordano Ventura – $1.2 million
Jason Vargas, of course, if out recovering from surgery. The Royals will be lucky if he can return by September. Medlen and Young are included in these numbers, which total $35,450,000 because they seem to be the most likely options at this moment.
Other pitchers who could work their way into the rotation, either by Opening Day, or maybe before the All-Star break, depending on performance and injuries, include Dillon Gee ($2 million), Chien Ming-Wang ($1 million), Danny Duffy ($4.23 million), or Kyle Zimmer ($507,700 MLB minimum).
Any of the pitchers could easily work their way into the rotation at some point, greatly changing that $35-plus million figure. This is a lot of money to spend on a rotation (yet barely more than Zack Greinke will make by himself).
Next: The Bullpen