KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On Tuesday, the Kansas City Royals finalized a one-year contract worth $1.8 million with right-handed pitcher Kyle Wright, successfully avoiding the need for salary arbitration.

Wright’s contract matches his salary from the previous year, which he spent focused on recovery following shoulder surgery. When the Royals acquired him from the Atlanta Braves, they were fully aware that he would not be able to pitch during the 2024 season, but they decided to allow him ample time to rehabilitate. The plan is to have him join their pitching rotation in 2025.

In his last full season in 2022, Wright had an impressive record of 21 wins and 5 losses, coupled with a 3.19 earned run average while playing with the Braves.

Last season, the Royals boasted one of the top pitching rotations in Major League Baseball, featuring All-Stars Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans, both of whom are set to return. Additionally, Michael Wacha has recently confirmed his stay with the Royals after signing a three-year contract totaling $51 million.

Despite their strong rotation, the Royals have created an opening in the roster after trading pitcher Brady Singer to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for infielder Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer. This development sets the stage for Wright to compete with Kris Bubic, Daniel Lynch IV, and Noah Cameron, among others, for a starting position during spring training.

As the arbitration deadline approaches on January 9, six Royals players are anticipated to exchange proposed salaries with the team. This includes right-handed pitchers Hunter Harvey, Carlos Hernández, and John Schreiber, along with left-hander Kris Bubic, as well as outfielders Kyle Isbel and MJ Melendez.