KC Royals Cut Ties With $45 Million All-Star.
The Kansas City Royals have made a significant move by parting ways with pitcher Michael Wacha, a key contributor to their rotation during the 2024 season. Wacha, 33, posted a 13-8 record with a 3.35 ERA and 3.5 WAR in 29 starts, marking his third consecutive strong season with a different team . Despite his impressive performance, the Royals have opted not to exercise his $16 million player option for 2025, allowing Wacha to enter free agency.
This decision comes as the Royals aim to reallocate resources to other areas of need. In the offseason, they bolstered their bullpen by signing All-Star reliever Carlos Estévez to a two-year, $22.2 million contract and re-signed right-hander Michael Lorenzen to a one-year, $7 million agreement . Additionally, they acquired infielder Jonathan India from the Cincinnati Reds, further strengthening their roster.
The Royals’ pitching staff now features a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talents. While the departure of Wacha leaves a gap in the rotation, the team’s front office is confident in the depth and potential of their remaining pitchers. The focus will now shift to developing internal options and potentially seeking external additions to complete the starting lineup.
Looking ahead, the Royals are committed to building a competitive team capable of contending in the American League Central. The decision to part ways with Wacha reflects a strategic approach to roster construction, emphasizing flexibility and long-term success.(SI)
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Royals to see how their revamped pitching staff performs and whether their offseason moves translate into a deeper postseason run.
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