The looming Kansas City Royals offseason was always going to hinge greatly on whether key pieces of last season would return. Perhaps the most up in the air was starter Michael Wacha. Wacha held a $16 million player option for the 2025 season. He won’t take that option, but instead will remain in Kansas City for likely the rest of his big league career. On Sunday, news broke from ESPN’s Jeff Passan that Wacha and the Royals were in agreement on a three-year, $51 million contract. The deal includes a fourth year club option to bring the total contract to a potential $72 million.

Wacha’s age 32 season was another solid showing for the veteran starter. He finished the year with 29 starts, 166.2 IP, and a 3.65 FIP. His 21.2% strikeout rate finished right around where Wacha has finished in each of his last four seasons. Wacha was even better down the stretch. After returning from injury in June, Wacha pitched to a sub-3.00 ERA for the Royals and was instrumental in the teams playoff push. When the offense struggled, Wacha and the pitching staff stepped up.

The Royals are hoping to see the same version of Wacha for years to come. His return seemingly cements the rotation as the team sets its sights to the lineup. The team hopes to add a leadoff hitter and some middle-of-the-order pop this offseason. With Wacha now in tow, the team won’t need to add a starting pitcher to their offseason shopping list.