The Kansas City Royals have been the most interesting baseball story this season. They’ve made all the smart plays, signing pitchers Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo, among others, putting them as one of the top contenders in the American League. There is, however, a bright future with players such as Bobby Witt Jr., who is having an MVP season following some solid performances. Despite being ensured they will not make any type of postseason run this year, this bodes well for the future. One issue in the future may come with Wacha opting out of his deal, meaning the Royals will have to replace one of their most crucial rotation members.
Michael Wacha on the Royals
Michael Wacha has been a consistent addition to the Royals’ pitching staff. Having both experience and talent has steadied the rotation. This year, Wacha demonstrated that he could shine in situations where the game was pressing. Such a trait can help any team aspiring to reach the postseason. He has also gained the coaching staff’s and his teammates’ trust to call on him as the final pitcher in tight contests. If he decides to stay in Kansas City, then the Royals’ prospects may indeed enjoy significant mileage heading into the next season.
Wacha reached the fork in the road with the last few days of the season to be decided. He can opt out of the contract’s final year and hit the open market. Many analysts believe Wacha may turn down his player option, which is worth $16 million in 2025. That might be the silver lining that will give the likes of the St. Louis Cardinals a chance to have him. Joining the Cardinals would undoubtedly add meat to their rotation, which has been quite crazy this season, and it leaves the Royals to grapple with the loss.
The Royals may not be the favorite to claim Wacha, as he has recently performed on the scale prophesied by Cardinals’ scouts, and many teams would look forward to his free agency period. The Royals have clearly stated that they do not mind spending money in making changes in their roster if those changes come in the form of improvement; however, the Cardinals will contest with them for this reliable starter, and this rivalry will add one more tension to both the teams, so much that both teams would give it a try to capture the reliable starter. And interesting, too, will it be if the Royals can outbid their Missouri rivals?
What the Royals Must Do from Now On
If Wacha does leave the team, of course, then the Royals will have to act quickly and fill up this hole created in their pitching rotation. To do this, the Royals can be on the free-agent market or look within their farm system to find people who can do the job. A strong rotation is of the utmost importance for the Royals if they hope to build off the successes of this past year and attempt to stake a claim in next year’s postseason. The front office must strategize so as not to lose ground in the division.
Kansas City Royals are now at a crossroads as they start their offseason. Michael Wacha has been one of the consistent starters and a necessary element to their pitching plans. His absence in free agency will make way for loss in the team. The Royals should prepare for this loss while finding other ways to enhance their roster. The coming months will try to determine whether the Royals have truly become an American League team. Making smart decisions can continue to add to a strong roster ready for battle.
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