According to ESPN Insider Jeff Passan, the Kansas City Royals signed Starting Pitcher Michael Lorenzen to a one-year $7 million contract earlier today. The deal also includes a $12 million option for 2026. Lorenzen was traded to the Kansas City Royals from the Texas Rangers on the eve of the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline. He missed nearly a month following a hamstring injury he sustained in late August.
Lorenzen was a key piece for a Royals team that qualified for the postseason for the first time since winning the World Series in 2015. He was wonderful down the homestretch of the regular season for Kansas City with a 2-0 record and a 0.00 ERA. Lorenzen was 7-6 during the regular season with a 3.31 ERA across 26 starts with the Royals and Rangers. His solid performance did not carry over to the postseason as he blew a save in Game 1 of the ALDS against the New York Yankees. How will Lorenzen pitch for the Kansas City Royals in 2025?
How Will Lorenzen Fit In With the Kansas City Royals?
Right-hander Michael Lorenzen and the Kansas City Royals are in agreement on a one-year, $7 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Lorenzen, 33, was excellent down the stretch, and the deal includes a second-year mutual option for $12 million. Versatile arm, great clubhouse guy.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 6, 2025
Lorenzen rejoins a Royals starting rotation that was the strength of the ballclub during the regular season. They were eighth in ERA, 15th in opposing batting average, and 13th in WHIP. Their starting rotation was led by Seth Lugo who had a career season with the Royals in 2024. He finished second in Cy Young voting last season. Cole Ragans and Michael Wacha will join Lorenzen in the 2025 starting rotation. Kansas City also had a great offense in 2024 led by star Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and Catcher Salvador Perez.
Final Thoughts
Kansas City will look to build upon its best season in nearly a decade in 2025. They should be one of the American League’s best teams next season. They will have to contend with teams like the Cleveland Guardians, Baltimore Orioles, and New York Yankees, but Kansas City will be a force to be reckoned with in 2025.
