With the World Series over, the offseason has begun! The Royals got a head start on their offseason by declining the $12 million mutual option for Michael Lorenzen, according to MLB.com reporter Anne Rogers. The Royals will instead pay the $1.5 million buyout, but could still re-sign him this winter if they choose.
The 33-year-old right-hander posted a 4.67 ERA in 27 games, all but one of them as a starter. He struck out 127 in 141.2 innings, but led the American League with 12 wild pitches. He missed
a month with an oblique strain and had a 4.71 ERA in his final nine starts. The Royals originally acquired Lorenzen from the Rangers at the 2024 July trade deadline. He was fantastic down the stretch with a 1.57 ERA in seven games, and he made two relief appearances against the Yankees in the American League Divisional Series.
The Royals are projected to have a rotation of Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, Noah Cameron, Kris Bubic, and Michael Wacha in 2026, with Alec Marsh, Kyle Wright, Ryan Bergert, Stephen Kolek, and Bailey Falter all options to start. The Royals also have five days to decide whether or not to exercise options on Salvador Perez and Randall Grichuk. J.J. Picollo has already said Salvy will return, although it remains to be seen if it will be on his $13.5 million club option. Grichuk has a $5 million mutual option that has a $3 million buyout the Royals are responsible for.
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