Kansas City Royals: Evaluating the 2017 Payroll

Who’s Staying and Who’s Going?

There are two players with mutual options that are easy decisions. There is no way the Royals are bringing back Kris Medlen for $10 million, though Medlen would certainly agree to his half of this option.

The other is Luke Hochevar. There is a mutual option for $7 million. Hochevar might not want to walk away, but since this long-time Royal just underwent surgery to address his thoracic outlet syndrome, and is 32 years old, it is highly doubtful the team will want to spend that kind of money here. The two parties could sign a lesser deal, though, to keep Hochevar in Kansas City.

So, that cuts out $17 million.

If he is healthy, the club will probably bring back Wade Davis. The team has a $10 million option for the closer for next season. The Royals also hold an option of $6.5 million for Alcides Escobar that they will certainly pick up.

The two most interesting cases are Edinson Volquez and Kendrys Morales. According to Spotrac.com, there is a mutual option for $10 million for the former and $11 million for the latter.

Volquez at this point in his career probably isn’t worth that price tag, but the free agent market for starting pitchers is paper thin this offseason, and Volquez might be the third best starter on the market. This could inflate his worth, for both parties.

Either party could opt out of this contract – the Royals if they want to cut payroll, and Volquez if he thinks he can sign for more elsewhere.

Of course, they may both decide this is a good fit and agree to one more year. Don’t count on it.