Right-handed pitcher Michael Wacha and the Kansas City Royals have agreed to a three-year, $51 million contract that also includes a club option for a fourth year, which could bring the contract value to $72 million, they said. sources told ESPN.
The Royals announced the deal Sunday, but did not disclose terms.
Wacha, 33, was scheduled to opt out of the final year of the two-year, $32 million contract he signed with the Royals last winter, but opted to stay in Kansas City.
Kansas City likely would have submitted Wacha a qualifying offer, but the sides reached an agreement during the five-day period after the World Series, during which teams can re-sign their free agents. Thanks to this agreement, Wacha will almost double his career earnings.
Wacha has played for six teams over the past six seasons. This season, he went 13-8 with a 3.35 ERA in 29 starts, the highest number since 2017.
He and Seth Lugo helped stabilize a starting rotation that also includes Cole Ragans, which helped the Royals go from a 56-win season in 2023 to an 86-win campaign this year.
