If someone told you that the Kansas City Royals have been the busiest team in the free agent and trade market during the past 48 hours, would you believe that person?
That certainly has been the case and there has been no doubt about it.
While the top contenders are fighting over starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Royals have decided to go to work and secure signing after signing.
In the last couple of days, they have signed relievers Will Smith and Chris Stratton, both World Series champions, and solid starter Seth Lugo.
Before that, they brought in Garrett Hampson for depth, Nick Anderson for their bullpen, and Matt Sauer as a lottery ticket.
On Friday, they announced two very solid free-agent acquisitions, too: outfielder Hunter Renfroe and starting pitcher Michael Wacha.
The Royals are finalizing a deal with Hunter Renfroe, per source. It is expected to be a one-year deal with a player option.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 15, 2023
Right-handed starter Michael Wacha and the Kansas City Royals are in agreement on a two-year, $32 million contract, a source tells ESPN. He gets an opt-out after the first season.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 15, 2023
Between the Los Angeles Angels and the Cincinnati Reds, Renfroe hit 20 homers and drove in 60 runs with a .713 OPS, but his career mark on that last stat is a solid .777.
He will raise the Royals’ offensive floor and help Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, MJ Melendez, Nelson Velazquez and other talented hitters form a promising lineup.
Wacha, meanwhile, had a 3.22 ERA this past season with the San Diego Padres, in 134.1 innings of work.
The owner of a career 3.96 ERA, Wacha could be a top-tier starter for the Royals’ staff.
Slowly, but surely, the Royals are making sure they get out of the AL Central’s basement.
They would love to contend in 2024, but are likely a year or two away.
These moves help, though.
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