Michael Wacha Trade Update: Right-hander inks multi-year $51 million contract with Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals have got a major piece of business done. According to sources, the organization has agreed to extend the right-handed starting pitcher Michael Wacha's stay at Kauffman Stadium, offering him a three-year, $51 million contract, amounting to about $17 million a season.

An option for an extra year with an additional $19 million is also included in the deal, per sources.

MLB insider Jeff Passan broke the news on November 3.

At 33, Wacha is an experienced campaigner. The Iowa native has a 101-62 record for his career with a 3.89 ERA and 1290 strikeouts. Before his time with the Royals, Wacha represented the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox, and San Diego Padres.

In the 2024 season, Wacha had a 3.35 ERA, with 145 strikeouts and a 13-8 record. Performing well in the second half of the season, he became a key part of a well-rounded Kansas City Royals pitching rotation, and was seen as a reliable option for skipper Matt Quartaro

If he can continue to perform at a similar level in future seasons, the Royals' decision to offer him an extension may prove to be quite a shrewd move.

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Adam Frazier enters free agency as mutual option with Kansas City Royals is declined

Having signed a one-year $4.5 million guaranteed contract with an option for an extra year in case of mutual agreement in late January, the versatile Adam Frazier is now reportedly entering free agency.

After the end of his five-year stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the 32-year-old has now become a journeyman of sorts, playing for the San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, Baltimore Orioles and most recently the Kansas City Royals since then.

MLB Mike Feinsand originally announced the news on October 31.

Since his deal included a $4.5 million guaranteed payout, Frazier will receive a $2.5 million buyout package, added to his $2 million salary for the past season. Frazier was a decent option for the Royals, batting .202 with 22 RBIs and four home runs.

With heaps of experience at the top level, he could prove to be a solid acquisition for any team looking for some added depth and versatility, and it may not be a long time before he finds a team for the 2025 season.