When we think of the Kansas City Royals, we think of a club that, for several years, hasn't been going anywhere. It's a club that loses many matches.
And that's a shame.
But this winter, the club obviously wants to change its formula. This is why the club managed to convince six free agents to come to town.
Here are the first four, which is what we already knew.
- Will Smith, reliever: one year, $5 million
- Chris Stratton, reliever: two years, $8 million
- Seth Lugo, starter: three years, $45 million, option to exit after two years
- Garrett Hampson, utility player: one year, $2 million
And now, today, two names have just been added to the Royals' winter: starter Michael Wacha and outfielder Hunter Renfroe.
Both have a two-year contract with an option to exit in one year. Wacha will make $32M if he stays two years and Renfroe will potentially make $13M in total.
Add in the addition of Kyle Wright, who is currently injured, and efforts to sign Bobby Whit Jr. long-term and we have quite the start to the winter.
Six free agents (at $105 million in total if exit options are not used), that's more than any other club since the start of the off-season.
That said, we feel that the club would have reached its limit among free agents. However, don’t close the door to transactions.
But OK. Cole Ragans, Brady Singer, Wacha and Lugo as the first four starters, It will greatly help the club. And in a weak division, that's going to make a difference.
- Yuki Matsui in the Cardinals’ sights.
- The Dodgers need certainty in their rotation.
- A Scott Boras metaphor.
