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The Royals have officially signed right-hander Michael Wacha to a three-year contract with a club option for the 2028 season. Wacha’s deal will see him earn $18 million each in the 2025 and 2026 seasons, with a guaranteed minimum of $14 million in 2027 and the potential for an additional $4 million in incentive bonuses. The club holds a $14 million option for 2028 with a $1 million buyout, making the total value of the pact at least $51 million. Wacha is represented by CAA Sports.
Last offseason, Wacha inked a two-year, $32 million free agent deal with the Royals, which included an opt-out clause after the first year. It was widely expected that Wacha would opt out of the deal and test free agency again, but this new contract provides him with security after moving around different teams in recent years.
The 33-year-old began his career with the Cardinals after being drafted in the first round in 2012, but his performance as a back-end starter was unremarkable during his seven seasons in St. Louis. After struggling in free agency with the Rays and Mets, Wacha turned things around significantly after joining the Red Sox on a one-year deal in 2022.
In his time with Boston, Wacha posted an impressive 3.32 ERA in 127 1/3 innings over 23 starts. This success continued in his thirties with a 3.30 ERA in 76 starts over the past three years with the Red Sox, Padres, and Royals. His 128 ERA+ represents quality mid-rotation production that any team would value, and his numbers with the Royals exceeded his previous successful stints.
Wacha maintained a consistent strikeout rate around 21% and slightly improved his walk rate to 6.6%. Most notably, he excelled at limiting hard contact, with his hard-hit rate dropping to 32.2%, the lowest since 2017. His improved batted ball data resulted in career-best numbers, including a decreased line drive rate and improved groundball and infield fly ball rates. Overall, Wacha’s performance led to a strong 3.35 ERA and his best 3.65 FIP in seven years.
With Wacha secured for the upcoming seasons, the Royals’ rotation is set with a core trio of Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, and Wacha, complemented by potential starters like Brady Singer, Alec Marsh, and Kyle Wright. The team is now focused on upgrading their offense following a lackluster showing in 2024, aside from standout shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. The outfield, in particular, needs improvement after ranking near the bottom in offensive production.
While Wacha’s signing removes a quality pitcher from the free agent market, there are still notable arms available this offseason. Players like Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, Blake Snell, and Jack Flaherty lead the market, with options like Nathan Eovaldi, Sean Manaea, and Luis Severino available for teams seeking rotation help.
Jeff Passan of ESPN was first to report on Wacha’s contract, with Mark Feinsand of MLB.com providing additional details on the deal.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
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