Royals reliable player linked to Twins after another strong season

The Kansas City Royals made some very impressive moves last offseason, signing starters Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo. Both helped the team strengthen its rotation in 2024 and even brought them back into contention.

But after winning 86 games and earning a Wild Card berth, the Royals could lose Wacha, who has a player option for 2025 that he is expected to decline.

Jim Bowden from Athletic Heading into the offseason, the veteran right-hander was touted as one of the top free agent prospects in all of Major League Baseball. He also called the Minnesota Twins a threat that could steal Wacha from the Royals.

“Michael Wacha has been great and consistent over the last three years, posting an ERA of 3.22 to 3.35 with double-digit wins in every season, all while on short-term contracts,” Bowden wrote.

“Ouachi has a $16 million player option for 2025, which I expect him to decline so he can become a free agent and get a multi-year contract.”

The 33-year-old right-hander would be an interesting player for the Twins, who need a starter. However, it would certainly add salt to the wound if the Royals lost Wacha to a division rival like the Twins.

The Royals finished four games ahead of the Twins in the American League Central after Minnesota’s September collapse. Adding Wacha would allow Minnesota to close the gap between the two teams and even get back into the division title race.

Let’s see if the Royals can hold onto Wacha. He is expected to receive a three-year, $54 million contract as a free agent.

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