The Kansas City Royals have surprised many this season, currently holding a record of 65-53, which places them just four games behind in the American League Central and allows them to control the third Wild Card spot.
One standout player this year is pitcher Michael Wacha, who was signed by the Royals to a one-year, $16 million deal that includes a player option for 2025. Jim Bowden suggests that Wacha is likely to opt out of his contract in pursuit of a more lucrative deal in free agency.
Wacha’s performance has been impressive: he went 11-2 with a 3.32 ERA for Boston in 2022, followed by a 14-4 record with a 3.22 ERA for San Diego in 2023, and he currently stands at 9-6 with a 3.50 ERA for Kansas City this season. Bowden believes this consistency could earn him a three-year contract in the upcoming offseason.
After battling injuries in previous years, Wacha appears to have regained his form and is now the reliable starter the St. Louis Cardinals anticipated he would become. With the Royals emerging as contenders, they may attempt to re-sign Wacha and offer him the three-year deal he is expected to command. However, several other teams are likely to be interested in his services as well.
At 33, Wacha has established himself as a durable pitcher capable of logging innings and performing well in critical situations, which will lead to competition for his signing in the winter months. Observers will be keen to see how the market for the former NLCS MVP develops, as he enters free agency for the sixth consecutive year and may finally secure the long-term contract he desires due to his resurgence.
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