KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals have reached an agreement with pitcher Michael Lorenzen on a one-year contract worth $7 million, which also includes a mutual option for the 2026 season, as confirmed by a reliable source on Monday.
The source, who requested anonymity due to the pending nature of the agreement, noted that Lorenzen’s contract features a $5.5 million salary for the current year. The option for 2026 is set at $12 million, with a $1.5 million buyout clause.
Lorenzen, 33, joined the Royals in a trade with Texas just prior to the trade deadline last July. He proved to be a valuable asset to the pitching staff during the final stretch of the season. In his time with Kansas City, he made seven appearances, including six starts, achieving a record of 2-0 along with an impressive 1.57 ERA, which was crucial in securing a wild-card spot for the Royals. He also pitched 2 1/3 innings across two playoff appearances.
In the AL Division Series against the New York Yankees, Lorenzen faced a tough outing in Game 1, recording a loss that came from allowing Alex Verdugo’s go-ahead single in the seventh inning, resulting in a narrow 6-5 defeat. Ultimately, the Royals were eliminated by New York after losing the best-of-five series in four games.
Prior to joining the Royals, Lorenzen played his first seven seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, followed by a stint with the Los Angeles Angels. In 2023, he split the season between the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies, where he was selected to his first All-Star Game. Over his career, he has compiled a record of 47 wins and 44 losses, maintaining an ERA of 3.99 along with 15 saves in 368 games, including 93 starts.
The Royals’ starting rotation is taking shape, with Michael Wacha returning on a three-year deal worth $51 million, joining other All-Stars Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans from last season.
The organization is optimistic about Kyle Wright’s potential return to form after he spent last season recovering from shoulder surgery. Lorenzen will face competition for one of the remaining starting spots from Kris Bubic and Alec Marsh, among others.
