Kansas City, Missouri (AP) Michael Lorenzen and the Kansas City Royals have agreed to a $7 million one-year contract with a mutual option for 2026, according to a person familiar with the situation.
The person spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the transaction was still pending a satisfactory medical. Lorenzen’s compensation this year is $5.5 million, while the 2026 option is worth $12 million with a $1.5 million buyout.
Lorenzen, 33, was acquired by Kansas City in a deal with Texas shortly before the deadline last July and emerged as a reliable member of the pitching staff down the stretch. The right-hander appeared in seven games, six of which he started, and went 2-0 with a 1.57 ERA to help the Royals win the wild card, before pitching 2 1/3 innings in two playoff outings.
Lorenzen lost Game 1 of the AL Division Series against the New York Yankees, 6-5, after allowing Alex Verdugo’s go-ahead single in the seventh inning. The Royals ultimately lost the series to New York in four games.
Lorenzen played his first seven seasons with Cincinnati, then a year with the Angels before dividing the 2023 season between the Tigers and Phillies, where he earned his sole All-Star appearance. He has a 47-44 career record, a 3.99 ERA, and 15 saves in 368 games, 93 of which are starts.
The top of the Royals’ starting rotation appears to be set, with Michael Wacha returning on a three-year, $51 million contract to join Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans, both of whom were All-Stars for Kansas City last season.
The Royals are hoping Kyle Wright can regain the form he showed in Atlanta after missing much of last season recovering from shoulder surgery. Kris Bubic and Alec Marsh will compete with Lorenzen for one of the final starting berths.
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