Royals star pitcher expected to receive multi-year deal this offseason

The Kansas City Royals have been a revelation this season. At 65-53, they currently sit just four games back in the American League Central and even have control of the third Wild Card spot.

One pitcher in particular has had a good season. Kansas City signed right-hander Michael Wacha to a one-year, $16 million contract that includes a player option for 2025.

According to Jim Bowden , Wacha is likely to opt out and receive a more lucrative free agent deal.

"Wacha went 11-2 with a 3.32 ERA for Boston in 2022, 14-4 with a 3.22 ERA for San Diego in 2023, and is 9-6 with a 3.50 ERA for Kansas City this year," Bowden wrote. "That consistency should get him a three-year contract in the offseason."

Wacha has seemingly found his old form after several years dealing with injuries, finally emerging as the durable starter the St. Louis Cardinals expected him to be long ago.

With the Royals now a contender again, they could possibly try to re-sign Wacha and give him the three-year deal he's expected to receive. There are also plenty of other teams that could use his services.

The 33-year-old right-hander has proven himself as a durable starter who can eat innings and come through in key spots, so there will certainly be some competition for him in the winter.

Still, it will be interesting to see how the former NLCS MVP's market develops. He'll return to the free agent pool for the sixth consecutive year and may finally get the longer-term deal he seeks thanks to his re-emergence.

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