In Surprise, Arizona, the Kansas City Royals have finalized a three-year deal with All-Star left-handed pitcher Cole Ragans, valued at $13.25 million.
The agreement includes a $250,000 signing bonus, alongside salaries of $1 million for the current year, $4.5 million in 2026, and $7.5 million in 2027. Notably, if Ragans clinches a Cy Young Award in either the 2025 or 2026 seasons, his salary for 2027 would increase to $8 million.
At 27 years old, Ragans will still be eligible for salary arbitration following the 2027 season, and he could enter the free agency market after the 2028 World Series.
In a statement highlighting Ragans’ journey, Royals general manager J.J. Picollo praised his commitment, hard work, and professionalism, noting that his achievements at such a young age serve as motivation for the team’s future.
Last season, Ragans produced an 11-9 record coupled with a 3.14 ERA in 32 starts, striking out 223 batters and allowing 67 walks over 186 1/3 innings pitched. He led American League pitchers with an impressive average of 10.77 strikeouts per nine innings, ultimately finishing fourth in the Cy Young voting.
Over the course of his career, which spans four seasons, Ragans has a record of 18-17, with a 3.46 ERA from a total of 53 starts and 17 relief appearances. Since joining the Royals from Texas on June 30, 2023—an acquisition that involved trading reliever Aroldis Chapman—he has achieved a 16-11 record along with a 3.00 ERA across 44 starts.
