Predicting the Royals' 2024 Rotation: Expect Big Improvement
By Joe Summers
2. Michael Wacha
Wacha may already be the best quote in the entire organization. He also comes over from the Padres and admittedly, has a more impressive resume than even Lugo does.
He'll make $1 million more per year than Lugo, though the shorter deal makes me give the nod to Lugo for opening day. That being said, these two former Padres feel interchangeable and I could see either one getting the nod.
Let's take a moment and recognize how great that is: the Royals have TWO quality opening day options! Wacha joined the organization in a stunning deal that proves Picollo wants to compete for a division title as soon as this year.
🧵 Let's talk about the man of the hour: Michael Wacha.
— Royals Weekly (@RoyalsWeekly) December 15, 2023
His top line numbers from 2023:
3.22 ERA
4.30 xERA
3.89 FIP
4.47 xFIP
22.4% SO
7.8% BB
Solid. Wacha is a solid, mid-rotation starter who does an excellent job limiting walks and home runs. His limiting of homeruns is pic.twitter.com/Ifs6zy8n97
Over the last two years, Wacha posted a 25-6 record with an ERA right around 3.3. He's the most proven starter in the rotation, ranking in the 98th percentile in off-speed run value last season.
The fact that both Wacha and Lugo specialize in off-speed pitches shows you how much the Royals believe in their defense. A clear path is being forged: force weak contact and let the defense do its thing.
Our third starter is my personal favorite in the entire rotation, as you'll see on the next page.