KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Kansas City Royals are excited about their recent acquisition, Michael Lorenzen, who played a significant role in the team’s unexpected turnaround last season. From a dismal 106-loss record, the Royals made strides to become a playoff contender, largely due to Lorenzen’s contributions after joining the team from Texas during the trade deadline.
On Wednesday, the Royals officially confirmed a one-year contract valued at $7 million with the right-handed pitcher, which includes a mutual option for 2026 and potential performance bonuses totaling $2.5 million. This move solidifies Lorenzen’s position as a key contender in the starting rotation for the upcoming season.
The 33-year-old pitcher joined the Royals in a trade just before the previous season’s deadline and quickly became a reliable member of the rotation. He achieved a record of 2-0 and an impressive 1.57 ERA across six starts, along with one relief appearance, ultimately aiding the Royals in clinching a wild card berth. Lorenzen made two playoff appearances, contributing 2 1/3 innings, although he suffered a loss in Game 1 of the AL Division Series against the New York Yankees, giving up a critical hit that led to a narrow 6-5 defeat. The team was eliminated in four games.
Lorenzen shared his enthusiasm about returning to Kansas City, citing the positive atmosphere within the clubhouse and the value of working with talented catchers like Salvador Perez and Freddy Fermin. His appreciation for their high baseball IQ adds to his comfort in the upcoming season as he focuses on honing his pitch mix.
The contract structure includes a base salary of $5.5 million for the upcoming season, with an option valued at $12 million for 2026, which has a $1.5 million buyout. Lorenzen has various performance-based incentives, allowing him to earn additional compensation based on his innings pitched and game appearances. Achievements such as becoming an All-Star or winning a Gold Glove also come with financial rewards.
General Manager J.J. Picollo noted that retaining Lorenzen was a top priority, especially after a recent trade that opened up a spot in the rotation by sending starter Brady Singer to the Reds in exchange for second baseman Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer. Picollo emphasized how essential the starting pitchers’ contributions were to the team’s success last year.
Lorenzen has expressed a desire to take on a larger pitching workload, ideally aiming for the opportunity to pitch 180 innings. Additionally, there have been conversations suggesting Lorenzen may want to hit as well, a notion he has shared informally with management. While it may be difficult to play both roles with the Royals, Lorenzen has continued to incorporate batting practice into his offseason routine, highlighting its benefits for his pitching performance.
Previously, Lorenzen spent his initial seven years with the Cincinnati Reds, followed by a season with the Los Angeles Angels, and a split season in 2023 between the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies. His achievements include being selected to the All-Star Game with Detroit and throwing a no-hitter for Philadelphia after a mid-season trade.
With a career record of 47-44, along with a 3.99 ERA and 15 saves across 368 games, including 93 starts, Lorenzen hopes to make a significant impact this season. The Royals’ starting rotation is rounding into shape with the return of Michael Wacha on a substantial three-year deal, alongside Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans, who both had successful All-Star seasons with Kansas City last year.
The organization is optimistic about Kyle Wright’s recovery following shoulder surgery, competing for one of the last remaining rotation spots alongside Kris Bubic and Alec Marsh.
In a hopeful sign for the future, Lorenzen expressed his ambitions of winning the division. Picollo commented on the team’s evolving mentality, noting a shift from simply hoping for success to a definitive focus on achieving the ultimate goal: winning the World Series. Significant changes in team culture and objectives are being established as the 2024 season approaches.
Additionally, the Royals added to their roster by claiming infielder Braden Shewmake from the White Sox. Selected as the Braves’ first-round pick in 2017, Shewmake’s major league performance has been underwhelming, posting a mere .118 batting average with one home run and four RBIs across 31 games.
