Royals Announce Massive Unexpected Signing to Start Free Agency

By Joe Summers | Nov 3, 2024

Oct 10, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (9), outfielder Tommy Pham (22) and shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) watch play from the dugout during the seventh inning against the New York Yankees during game four of the ALDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images / Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Royals ensured that no fans would think their unexpected rise to the playoffs was merely a fluke, shelling out big money to re-sign excellent SP Michael Wacha to a three-year deal on Sunday.

Wacha was widely expected to leave Kansas City after putting forth one of the best years of his career, going 13-8 with a 3.35 ERA in 166.1 innings, the most he'd thrown since 2015. He'll come back to a stellar rotation led by himself, Cole Ragans, and Seth Lugo, keeping together perhaps the Royals' biggest advantage over opponents in 2024.

While his deal is for three years, Kansas City has a club option for a fourth year as well.

Royals Re-Sign SP Michael Wacha to Big Free Agency Deal

Right-hander Michael Wacha and the Kansas City Royals are in agreement on a three-year, $51 million contract, sources tell ESPN. The deal includes a club option and can max out at four years, $72 million.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 3, 2024

This signing not only ensures the Royals will remain competitive moving forward, but it also shows how badly ownership and the front office wants to win. A potential $72 million deal is nothing to scoff at.

Should Wacha play out all four years, the contract could theoretically surpass Ian Kennedy's $70 million signing that's the largest for any pitcher in franchise history. Even if you're disappointed about the year's conclusion, you have to be thrilled about the future.

The big upshot of the Michael Wacha deal: Kansas City keeps together its starting rotation of Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo and Wacha. And Wacha nearly doubles his career earnings while staying in a place he thrived last year. Kansas City is already out and spending, as it did last…
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 3, 2024

With a 3.65 FIP (fielding independent pitching) mark, Wacha's underlying metrics imply he'll remain a quality starter. At 33 years old, he represents a bit of a gamble. That being said, so did Lugo, who will garner Cy Young votes.

J.J. Picollo and John Sherman have a plan. Royals fans should be excited about it. Only five days into free agency, Kansas City's leadership has proven they're willing to spend to win big.

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