Royals agreed to terms with RHP Michael Wacha on a three-year contract with a club option for 2028.
Wacha, who would have become a free agent by opting out of a $16 million salary next year, is guaranteed $51 million, and the deal can top out at $72 million if the option is picked up, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Wacha is 33 and had had quite a bit of trouble staying healthy, but he’s avoided major injuries the last half-dozen years and been quite effective three seasons in a row (38-14, 3.30 ERA in 428 IP). A two-year deal seemed more appropriate here, but the Royals are getting a lower AAV with the extended pact. With Wacha back, Kansas City’s rotation is pretty well taken care of. He’ll join Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, Brad Singer and then one of Kyle Wright, Alec March or maybe Kris Bubic.